August 27, 2007

New Model: Fjord 40 Cruiser

The twelve meter Fjord 40 Crusier is the new Flagship of the new Fjord line. Patrick Banfield and Jim Wilshire of Allseas Design are responsible for the new Fjord design. The new Fjord Cruiser demonstrates this expertise and skill with a thoroughly thought out hull design with a beam ration of 3:1 that moves easily through the water and navigates quickly, quietly and economically, is a testament to their advanced know-how. These features on the Fjord 40 Cruiser were optimised in wind tunnel tests with the aid of a well-know automobile manufacturer. The new Fjord design looks also at the future for it's exterior looks, with massive glass surfaces allowing light to infiltrate the boat with a feeling of roominess in the sheltered salon. Mark Tucker from Design Unlimited designed the matching interior with a discreet and unpretentious touch, showing that noting is left for the case by Norwegian company.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.99 m (39.3 ft)
Bea - 3.99 m
Displacement - 8.0 T
Fuel Capacity - 1000 l
Water Capacity - 300 l
Engines - 2 x 260hp
Propulsion - in line shaft
Speed - 30 knots (estimated)
Design - Allseas Design Exterior, Interior Mark Tucker Design Unlimited
Certification - CE B

August 26, 2007

Powerboat P1 - British Grand Prix of the Sea, Outerlimits and Extremeboat double win

Outerlimits make a double and secure important points in the fast Evolution Class
Extreme boat also make a double and take lead in production Supersport class
In a weekend of flat calm seas the British Grand Prix of the Sea, held in the legendary set up of Cowes, considered as the classics of the races for offshore powerboat racing again ended in a double for both classes. The repeat of the double seems to be a standard result for the 2007 season in the P1 circuit, what always seems to differ is the boat which gains and taking the much important 1st place.
Race 1
Outerlimits took the chequered flag in today's first leg of the P1 British Grand Prix Evolution Class, the historic Round the Island race, followed just a half boat-length away by its arch rivals King of Shaves, with Italian's OSG in third. With calm waters making for high speed racing around the Island, these high-speed racing craft were able to drive flat-out which put many above the average top-speed limit, implemented for safety reasons. As a result, the racing spectacle became somewhat confusing as the lead boats slowed before the chequered flag to avoid time penalties. The unusual ending just added to the drama of a race that had been intensely competitive throughout. The early series of circuit laps, before the boats embarked upon the circumnavigation of the island, had seen King of Shaves take the lead. Wettpunkt.com were forced out early with a blown turbine leaving Outerlimits, OSG and Fainplast to contest the lead, and they did in thrilling fashion. At St Katherine's, the halfway point, three boats, the British King of Shaves, American Outerlimits and Italian OSG passed almost in a dead heat - a stunning sight by the World's fastest mono-hulls and further proof of the competitiveness of the Evolution class. Italians Fainplast were first to take the chequered flag but a time penalty, imposed for exceeding the top average speed limit demoted them to fourth.
In Supersport it looked that the Sunseeker Challenger took its first win when the FPT-powered craft crossed the line in the first leg of the P1 British Grand Prix but the win was denied by a subsequent time penalty. The winner, timing its race to perfection, was ExtemeBoat piloted by Jackie Hunt and Mike Shelton with a photo finish for second, third and fourth places. As was the case in Evolution class the unusual calm waters had made for high speed racing around the Island, with the boats able to drive flat out, putting many above the average top-speed limit, implemented for safety reasons. As a result, the racing spectacle became somewhat confusing as the lead boats slowed before the chequered flag to avoid time penalties. The race for the coveted production class win was typically intense and competitive with Southampton based VoomVoom.com, the Yanmar-powered Hustler the first to show. The impressive performance would eventually lead to a photo finish for second place with SunLik Beer and Buzzi Bullet, SunLik being awarded second, with Voom Voom third and Buzzi Bullet fourth. Roscioli Hotels Roma was disqualified for missing a marker.
Race 2
Outerlimits, secured its maiden Grand Prix victory in the British Grand Prix of the Sea, winning today's second leg to complete a weekend double. Under intense pressure from King of Shaves they twice re-took the lead from their arch rivals with the gap rarely more than five seconds throughout the 54 nautical mile race. Tight circuit racing may not favour all the P1 muscle machines, and in particular those with diesel engines, but it certainly suited the two American craft whose neck and neck racing was captivating for the huge audience packed along the Cowes Esplanade and on the hundreds of craft lining The Solent. Behind these two, another titanic battle was being fought out for third place between Wettpunkt.com and OSG, with OSG finally winning it at the last buoy to take third on the day and in the two-legged Grand Prix. Behind them, both the German Searex and Italian Kiton team secured valuable championship points and Kiton rounded off a strong weekends racing with fourth place overall. Fainplast decided not to race today, in protest against recent decisions that they feel have unfairly undermined their cause.
Extremeboat, secured an emphatic victory and won the British Grand Prix for the second consecutive time and with it the British SuperSport championship. Now they move on to the season's penultimate Grand Prix as championship leaders. In a fiercely fought production class encounter, Sun Lik Beer moved through the field, overtaking VoomVoom.com on lap 4 to take second place and put pressure on Extremeboat. Behind them the previous Championship leaders, Roscioli Hotels Roma, were building up trying to make up for a disappointing result in Friday's first leg and eager to secure valuable championship points. Buzzi Bullet also performed well throughout the weekend, just missing out on third place over the two legs from VoomVoom.com, who had undertaken major development work in the build up to this event, including two new engines. The hard work has started to pay as they followed up an impressive performance on Friday to claim a Grand Prix podium place.
Now the Powerboats P1 circus escalates to its penultimate stage as the championship moves to Zeebrugge, Belgium, over the weekend of the 8/9 September.

August 25, 2007

New Model: Ferretti Custom Line 26 Navetta

Presented as a project last January, the new Navetta 26, is the smallest at 85 feet in the Ferretti Custom Line fleet of large yachts. Zuccon Design styled the new yacht continuing the evolution of the Ferretti and the Navetta line by creating a design with curved and soft conservative looks. Standard interior decor calls for a modern classic approach with light colored Oak and Teak woods and an interior accommodation featuring 5 cabins in standard form, with master cabin on the main deck and 2 identical VIP cabins in mid ship. An alternative 4 cabin version is also available. The pilothouse is raised on the upper deck in a closed and comfortable environment. As usual from Ferretti Yacht, technology is on the highest levels thanks to exclusive systems like the Gi8 control and monitoring system and the Mitsubishi ARG stabilizers. Performance is an estimated of 17.5 knots top speed with cruising of 14 knots with the optional big MAN 1100hp engines option.
Technical Data:
LOA - 26.10 m (85.8 ft)
Beam - 6.93 m
Draft - 2.16 m
Displacement - 95.2 t
Fuel Capacity - 12400 l
Water Capacity - 2000 l
Cabins - 5 or 4
Engines - 2 x MAN V8 900hp, MAN V10 1100hp
Hull - semi displacement
Project - Zuccon International Project
Certification - R.I.Na. 100 -A-1.1"Y"

August 24, 2007

Project: Grand Banks 41 Heritage EU

After launching the first in 1964 of what would then become the successful Heritage series, in 2008 Grand Banks will again do a revolution with this new model, which for the first time has designed a boat without traditional inboard shaft drive. In fact the new 41 Heritage EU features Cummins Mercruiser Zeus innovative POD drive, which will deliver great control, superb speed efficiency, pin point dock accuracy manoeuvring and best fuel range economics. Grand Banks also designed a newly modified deep-vee Hull design in order to take the best from the new propulsion which should deliver unseen levels of efficiency at both planning and semi-displacement speeds, from 10 up to 24 knots. Rest also assured that as all Grand Banks, the new 41 EU will not only surprise for its below under water technology but also for it's superior comfortable accommodation thanks to the less space used by the innovative POD drives, which I am sure will be made to good use.

August 23, 2007

New Model: Absolute 47

Previewed over a month ago in our blog as a project, the new Absolute 47 is the second new boat coming from the young Italian builder in a few weeks time. Showing that at Absolute designs and projects are there to happen. This new hard top coupe sports cruiser features interior accommodation of 2 staterooms, one forward VIP cabin and a mid-ship cabin for owner, both featuring private en-suite shower heads. In between the cabins you have the galley and a c-shaped saloon dinette. Third model in the hard top coupe series from Absolute, it follows the use as it's larger sisters, of Volvo's innovative IPS propulsion giving superior handling, great marina manoeuvring with the optional joystick and superior fuel economics. It is worth noting that Absolute have been among the first to project yachts around the new innovative IPS propulsion technology and the 47 is the third model in it's range after the larger 56 and 52 models.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.61 m (47.9 ft)
Length - 14.31 m
Beam - 4.20 m
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 470 l
Water Capacity - 300 l
Max Persons - 12
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Engines - Volvo Penta IPS 500 2 x 370 HP, IPS 600 2 x 435 HP
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking duoprop pod
Project - Absolute Research and Development Lab
Certification - CE B

August 22, 2007

Projects: Jongert 2900 MY, Jongert 30 MY, Jongert 35 MY, Jongert 3800 MY

Jongert 2900 MY is the second project offer from the Dutch builder for a new line of semi-displacement hull designs. This motor yacht is designed by Guido De Groot together with the Jongert Design Team with classification by Lloyd's. Hull construction is of Aluminium. Projected speed is for a 25 knots max and an economical cruising of 12 knots which should give a range of 1250 NM. Two interior versions are available both with 4 cabins, but with crew cabins forward for the standard versions and aft for the USA version.
The Jongert 30 MY is a full displacement three deck motor yacht designed for world service with a 4,000 NM range at cruising speeds of 10 knots. The Jongert Design Team have projected a yacht with classic lines, 4 double cabins interior accommodation and very comfortable social and entertaining areas on the main deck and the upper deck. Hull construction is of steel, with superstructure in aluminium, classification is by Lloyd's. The Jongert 35 MY is the bigger offer from the displacement series by the Dutch builder. Designed by the Jongert design team, this three deck super yacht project offers 5 double cabins with the master cabin on the main deck for superior comfort. Range is an estimated of 4,400 NM with cruising speeds of 10 knots and 2 x Caterpillar C18 600 HP engines, calling for what is a real world yacht. The Jongert 3800 MY is a 3 deck semi displacement motor yacht from the new line from the Dutch builder and offers 4 double cabins accommodation. Design as it's younger sister is by Guido De Groot and construction is to RINA class and MCA compliant standards. Power is provided by 2 x 3650 HP MTU engines with speeds for 28 knots top, 25 cruising and a comfortable 12 knots passage making speed which should give a range of 1800 NM. Construction for the biggest and faster super yacht ever constructed by the famous Dutch builder should start the coming October with delivery scheduled for May 2009.

August 21, 2007

New Model: Couach 3000 Fly

The first example of the brand new 30 metre Couach 3000 Fly has been launched in Gujan-Mestras. The design of this motor yacht draws on the successful features of the new line from Couach Yachts featuring sleek deckhouse profile, vast side windows and streamlined air inlets. Another trademark which is something the French yacht builder is proud for, is the superior range for it's yachts, which in this model is estimated to cover 1000 nautical miles in mid-range cruising speeds, thanks to 20,000 litres fuel tanks which gives an almost double autonomy compared to it's rivals. Hull construction is Kevlar with a slender stem for optimum smooth navigation. The exterior design calls for huge bay windows and a dynamic roof design. An intelligent outdoor lounge is situated forward on the bow while a comfortable sheltered sundeck is situated forward at the front of the fly. Accommodation calls for 4 or 5 double cabins as per clients request.
Technical Data:
LOA - 30.40 m (100 ft)
Beam - 6.60 m
Draft - 1.80 m
Fuel Capacity - 20,000 l
Water Capacity - 2,000 l
Accommodation - 4 or 5 cabins + 2 crew cabins
Engines - from 2 x 2000 HP to 2 x 2400 HP
Speed - max 34 knots

August 20, 2007

Powerboat P1 - British Grand Prix of the Sea preview

Happening on the Isle of Wight, renowned for its cultural and sporting events and entertainment, the UIM Powerboat P1 World Championship return in 2007 as the headline act of the Cowes Powerboat Festival, one of the most prestigious annual events in world powerboating. The P1 British GP of the Sea is once again set to attract tens of thousands of fans to the island's shores over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Up to 100 of Europe's finest powerboats will descend upon Cowes for the festival, which includes the historic 'Round the Island Challenge', guaranteeing spectacular action and entertainment on and off the water. Cowes has a rich nautical heritage and its ability to host major marine events is demonstrated each year when the Cowes Regatta and Powerboat Festival come to town and the public and competitors mingle in the pleasant surroundings of Cowes and take in the traditional pubs, restaurants and cafes that are a feature of this historical venue.
Sail gives way to power on the Isle of Wight over the August Bank Holiday weekend when the Powerboat P1 British Grand Prix of the Sea roars into life. Building upon the 47 year heritage of the Cowes Powerboat Festival, this entertainment-packed event has been extended to four days, a reflection of its growing popularity. More than 120 craft are expected to assemble in Cowes, including many of the world's top racing craft and crew, and organisers predict spectator numbers will exceed last years estimate of 70,000. The racing starts in earnest on Friday 24th following a day of testing, with the highlight of the Friday programme Round 7 of the Powerboat P1 World Championship, the P1 British Grand Prix of the Sea. The race incorporates a lap of the Island, one of the most prestigious and demanding challenges in powerboat racing with a history that dates back to 1968. Shortly after the high-powered P1 craft 'blast off' at 2pm, the competitors in the 'Round-the-Island' challenge will assemble off Cowes for one of the most popular events of the weekend. Open to all pleasure and race craft, crews race against the clock in a range of class categories following the same circuit as the P1 'muscle machines'. When last run in 2005 it attracted 36 entries from across Britain. On Saturday and Sunday racing will revert to a spectator-friendly circuit where the public can enjoy the close-up spectacular action the shores between Cowes and Thorness. A packed programme over both days includes Thundercats, International RIBs, Class 3C and V24s, a Jet Bike endurance race and the Honda 4-stroke Series comprising 150s and 225s. The headline act on Saturday 25th will be the two-race Honda 4-stroke Series, the UK's leading domestic championship, whilst on Sunday the star attraction is undoubtedly the final leg of the Powerboat P1 British Grand Prix of the Sea with 20 of the worlds finest racing boats and pilots competing for World Championship points and the glory of winning in Cowes, the 'mecca' of world powerboating.
The questions surrounding the British P1 Grand Prix is the domination of King of Shaves and Weetpunkt.com shown so far in the Evolution class. At this stage of the championship apart from the Malta race, weather has been fairly good so a change in conditions can really turn the tables in the chart standings. This might really be what the teams at the bottom of the chart are hoping for, having decided for a more sea worthy hull for there campaign.
In the Supersport production class someone will try to stop the successful Roscioli Hotels Roma who have shown a superb pace in the first half of this season. Even tough Buzzi Bullet III who won in Germany and Sun Like Beer who placed second in the same race, have shown they are not going to stay and watch Angelo Tedeschi and Fabio Magnani dominate.

August 19, 2007

New Model: Marquis 420

The Marquis 420 is the combined result of Italian Naval Architects Nuvolari-Lenard who have brought to life a combined vision of an open boat that looks amazing and is built to perfection but also provides its operator and passengers with thrilling performance. Built around Volvo's innovative IPS propulsion system the Marquis 420 will deliver an exhilarating ride at speeds expected to exceed 40 mph. The addition of the IPS Joystick allows the operator to confidently maneuver the yacht in tight quarters and while docking. The open-air salon and adjoining cockpit is designed for maximum access to the yacht's ocean side environment. The salon entrance doors open to create one large environment combining the salon with the cockpit. The innovative transom lounge easily glides aft with a push of a button to create more than 60 square feet of cockpit space. The yacht's salon features quality treatments such as exotic African Zebrano hardwood cabinetry with Steinway® quality lacquered trim, wooden cabin sole and designer selected fixtures and appointments. The interior of the Marquis 420 compares in materials, style, fixtures and quality to the interiors of mega and super yachts that are cruising the world.
Technical Data:
Length - 12.10 m (39.6 ft)
Hull Length - 11.6 m
Beam - 4.2 m
Draft - 1.2 m
Displacement - 12,701 kg estimated and loaded
Water - 530 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS500 370hp, IPS600 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking pods with duoprop

August 17, 2007

New Model: Alfamarine 72

Presented as a project two years ago, the new Alfamarine 72 is the smaller sister for the successful 78, which won Best Boat between eighteen and 24 meters in the 2005 World Yachts Trophies in Cannes. Architect Andrea Bacigalupo projected this boat as an easy to use fast Sport Yacht with minimum crew needs. Interior layout calls for an innovative and functional approach for this type of yacht, for this reason the galley, in a separate area with connected dinette lunch area is situated below deck at mid-ship. Main saloon is at the main deck level and can be completely closed off with the stern door. The guest and master cabin are adjacent to the dinette while the VIP guest cabin, in order to assure privacy has a a separate entrance directly from the main saloon. Crew quarters entrance is from the external cockpit or from the engine room and a second berth is available on request. Power is from twin 1550hp Man with Arneson Surface Drives which allows a maximum speed of 43 knots. In the meantime other versions are being studied with KaMeWa water jets and more powerful engines for speeds up to 50 knots, keeping the renowned Alfamarine name for high performance yachts.
Technical Data:
Length - 22.30 m (73.1 ft)
Beam - 5.44 m
Draft - 1.20 m
Displacement - 31.946 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 4.790 l
Water Capacity - 1.000 l
Engines - 2 x Man 1550hp
Propulsion - Arneson Surface Drives ASD14
Speed - max 42 knots, cruise 34 knots
Project - Arch. Andrea Bacigalupo, interiors Consuelo Izzo
Certifcation - CE A