Class 1 - Doha Qatar Preview

Home team Qatar 96 second in the charts will try to win the all important home GP

With three races remaining in the 2007 WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, the race for the title is reaching fever pitch. Fuelled by an intense rivalry, the sports three heavyweights, Victory 77, Qatar 96 and Spirit of Norway 10, remain locked in an unforgiving three-way battle for championship honours, with no quarter asked and none given. The fast and flowing circuit around Palm Tree Island on Doha Bay has seen some spectacular racing action and dramatic incidents in recent years, and this year’s Qatar Grand Prix, round 6 of the WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, could well prove pivotal in the outcome of title race. Victory 77 led the championship standings from round one in Athens, and with the luxury of an 18 points advantage, hold the whip-hand in the title race, and although they would clearly like to try and wrap things up sooner than later, with points in hand do not need to take risks or push for the race win in Doha. But they are being stalked with a ferocious intent by Qatar 96 and the defending World Champions in Spirit of Norway, both outfits posting notice last time out at the Egyptian Grand Prix in Porto Marina, that neither is in any mood to concede the title without a monumental fight, and both finishing ahead of the current leaders after a memorable race – Spirit grabbing their second win of the season, with Qatar 96 second and Victory 77, third. The title battle is intriguing – Qatar 96 and Spirit of Norway must win - at least finish ahead of Victory 77 in Doha and in the remaining races – but that still may not be enough, so will be looking to team-mates, Qatar 95 or in Spirit of Norway’s case, the likes of Jotun and Negotiator, to join the fight for podium places and points and shut out the leaders, whilst Victory 77 will look to their team-mates in Victory 7 to get ahead of or between them and their championship rivals. After impressive performances in Egypt, where both challenged strongly for podium finishes before technical problems ended their hopes, Qatar 95 and Jotun – both running the Mercury V8s - look likely challengers to cause the top three problems, and will be hoping for trouble free runs to give themselves the chance to capitalise on their pace. Negotiator could also be up there in the mix, now that they have found reliability with the Sterling V8s and will be looking to improve on their fourth place in Egypt. The first action takes place today, with the first official practice session, giving the teams the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the revised course around Palm Tree Island on Doha Bay. Second practice on Friday is followed by the fifth Edox Pole Position of the season in the afternoon, with the final practice session and the 20 lap, 92.88Nm Qatar Grand Prix on Saturday, 17 November. Of the leading protagonists, Spirit of Norway has by far the best record in Doha winning five times since the first Qatar Grand Prix was held in 2002. Victory 77 grabbed their only win here in 2005 and last year the Qatar Camp took their first win on home waters, with Qatar 95 stealing the headlines from Qatar 96 – but this weekend it just might be their turn to take the race win.

www.class-1.com

Project: Rodman 44 Muse

The new Rodman Muse 44 is based on two principles, powerful performance and elegant modern lines. Each item of this new model from the famous Spanish constructor responds to a need, and noting is left to chance on board. The new Rodman is optimized for the best use of space and designer Fulvio De Simoni did the best in providing a superior spacious thirteen metre flybridge cruiser with an incredibly spacious 3 double cabin accommodation. This incredible interior space is the result of the use of Volvo's innovative IPS propulsion, which the new 44 Muse can be credited as being one of the very first few flybridge cruisers build and projected around this system. Apart from the extra accommodation the new IPS will give the new Rodman a superior performance and economy, which should make it as the top choice for those looking for a medium to large flybridge cruiser.

www.rodman.es

New Model: Beneteau 52 Swift Trawler

Beneteau continues to upgrade its Swift Trawler range with the introduction of the new 52 model, forming the perfect link between the joy of sailing and the comfort and performance of a powerboat. The new 52 Swift Trawler, flagship of the Beneteau Power range is fully fitted out for offshore cruising inviting you and your guests to sail away in absolute comfort with a few interesting bonuses over current trawler live aboard style yachts like a high end cruising speed of 18 knots, a very spacious interior accommodation and a saloon which looks like coming from a much bigger yacht.

Technical Data:

LOA - 17.00 m (55.7ft)

Length - 15.24 m

Beam - 4.92 m

Draft - 1.30 m

Displacement - 20.000 kg empty, 28.000 kg loaded

Accommodation - 6 cabin berths + 4 additional convertible berths, 3 + 1 cabins

Fuel Capacity - 4.000 l

Water Capacity - 800 l

Engines - 2 x Volvo D9 575hp

Speed - 23 knots maximum, 18 knots cruising

Design - Joubert, Nivelt & Beneteau exterior, Pierre Frutshi interior

Category - CE B12, C16

www.beneteau.com

Project: Cantieri di Pisa 135 Akhir

Taken over by the Camuzzi Group in 2004, the new Cantieri Di Pisa 135 Akhir is the first project by the new management in order to put the World famous yacht builder and its range of motor and super yachts back on track. Showing up in the market 30 years ago, the Akhir range of motor yachts was instantly a success, thanks to the innovative design of Pierluigi Spadolini who created an all time classic modern line for this spectacular series of yachts. The new 135 Akhir is designed by Carlo Galeazzi who takes the difficult task of continuing the Cantieri di Pisa traditional value, but with the desire to renew this project and the rendering picture clearly shows this new cultural revision of a line that has made history in the nautical world. With an overall length of 41 metres the new 135 Akhir will boast an interior guest accommodation for 8 or 10 person and a crew service of 7 or 8 members as the owner would desire. Performance estimates show a 29 knots top speed performance, with a cruising speed of 25 knots giving a range of 600 nautical miles. A superior 2740 nautical mile range can be obtained by cruising at an economical 12 knots. The new 135 Akhir will be the first of the Cantieri Di Pisa generation of flybridge motor and super yachts which will be comprised of 5 models from 86 up to 153 feet in length.

www.cantieridipisa.it

New Model: Mondomarine 50 MT

Biggest Yacht ever built by Mondomarine, is the new 50 metre full displacement expedition style Super Yacht, latest launch from the Savona Custom Builder and named M/Y Tribu. She is from a certain point of view quite unique being one of the few Expedition Super Yachts built in Italy but also designed by Italians, in this case Luca Dini and Massimo Vignelli. The Italian Design Team worked for a modern looking, clean lined Expedition Yacht something a bit different to what we are used to from this kind of Yachts. Interior space for this four deck yacht is for an owner stateroom which includes a personal gym and four double guest cabins. Crew accommodation is for six double cabins plus a separate double captain's cabin.

Technical Data:

LOA - 50.50 m (165.6ft)

Length - 46.00 m

Beam - 9.80 m

Draft - 3.00 m

Displacement - 620t loaded

Fuel Tanks - 100.000 l

Water Tanks - 20.000 l

Engines - 2 x Deutz TBD620V8 1250hp

Speed - 15 knots maximum, 13 knots cruising

Range - 3200 nm @ 12 knots

Construction Material - steel hull, aluminium superstructure

Project - Luca Dini & Massimo Vignelli, Studio Lissoni interior, Mondomarine SYDAC hull

Classification - RINA C Hull Mac Y Charter Class SBL PAI Green Star

www.mondomarine.it

New Model: Sarnico 65 Special

The flagship of the range, forerunner of the coupè fleet, is proposed in a new “Special” version. The interiors of the boat have been completely reshaped in order to offer an even more comfortable and pleasant owner suite. The owner’s cabin covers a wider surface, in correspondence to the centre of the hull, where the boat is more steady. The open space is made even larger by the new side window, that changes the look of the sides and allows a spectacular panoramic view. The furniture is built in order to increase the wardrobe volume. The suite is completed by a true bathroom, provided with a broad shower box. Of course the other characteristics and the whole quality remain unchanged. The guests may comfortably stay in the VIP bow cabin or in the stern one, with independent access from the cockpit and completely isolated from the saloon, for a better privacy. Both cabins have direct access to their bathroom, each one provided with shower box. The salon maintains enough space to host a living space with a table and a fully equipped galley. The crew cabin and a hallway with all household appliances complete the under deck layout. Key elements of the success remain the sharp line and the hard top, whose frontal opening, starting from the upper side of the windshield, enables to air the cockpit and fully appreciate the speed sensation from the piloting position. Although sporty, the Sarnico 65 always shows a clear elegance which makes it standing out from the other boats of similar typology. Despite the dimensions and the displacement, it reaches 39 knots with two 1360hp engines.
Technical Data:
LOA - 19.55 m (64.1ft)
Length - 19.12 m
Beam - 4.86 m
Draft - 1.45 m
Displacement - 26 t dry
Fuel Capacity - 2760 l
Water Capacity - 660 l
Max People - 14
Accommodation - 6 + 1 crew
Engines - 2 x MAN 1100hp, 1360hp
Speed - 39 knots top, 34 knots cruising
Range - 330 NM, approx 11 hours

www.cantieridisarnico.it

Project: Arturo Stabile 50 Stama

Announced as a project in the beginning of this year, the new 50 Stama aims to capture the clients of the 37 Stama to remain in the Arturo Stabile family. Little information is as yet available of the new model, apart from the fact that it is designed by top renowned yacht architect Tommaso Spadolini. This is the first design picture from the Italian, Sicilian shipyard and shows a stylish modern hard top sports cruiser.

www.cantieristabile.it

Project: Fjord 36 Cruiser

After presenting the new Fjord 40 Cruiser the legendary Norwegian builder continues to upgrade it's line with the offer of a smaller similar sister boat, the new 36 Cruiser. Scheduled to be launched in the 2008 season, the new Fjord follows the lines from Fjord's latest new boat the 40 Cruiser. The same designers Patrick Beanfield and Jim Wilshire from Allseas Design follow the exterior minimal modern design of the 40 feet model. Inside designer Mark Tucker offers a spacious 2 cabin, 1 head arrangement with a living area located on the main deck. Engine power is for a maximum of twin 315hp which should push the Epoxy build six tons displacement to a maximum estimated speed of 37 knots.

www.fjordboats.com

New Model: Prinz 54 Coupe

Presented as a project a few years ago, the Prinz 54 Coupe is finally available in it's real form, to huge expectation from the general public and boating enthusiasts.  Flagship of the Belgian company range, the Prinz 54 looks a very interesting hard top design offer in the highly competitive 16 metre open-sport yacht market segment.  The big Prinz seems to want to compete with new technology being built in a light weight epoxy vacuum infused construction weighing at just under eighteen tons loaded and last but not least by using Volvo's IPS forward looking duo prop pod system.  Apart all this technology the Prinz offers plenty of nice features like a full around deck, patio door separated saloon and very clever exterior design.  The interior is a spacious three double cabins six berths two heads offer with an optional crew cabin if desired and finished in light coloured woods and furnishings.

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.97 m (55.6ft)

Length - 15.21 m

Beam - 4.47 m

Draft - 1.11 m

Displacement - 13800 kg empty, 17800 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 1600 l

Water Capacity - 600 l

Max Persons - fourteen

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

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 370hp, D6 435hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller pod drives

Speed - 38 knots maximum, 32 knots cruising

Construction - vacuum infused with epoxy resin

Category - B Offshore CE IMCI

www.prinz-yachts.com

New Model: Sanlorenzo 40 Alloy

Biggest Motor Yacht ever build from the prestigious Sanlorenzo shipyard from Viareggio, Italy, the new 40 Alloy reflects the classic element which have given the title to this builder as being the Rolls Royce of the sea, but also shows a look at the future with innovative design touches. The 40 Alloy is a modern classic lines innovative motor super yacht thanks to the ingenious opening side balconies, which open from the side deck giving something extremely unique and special to the guests on board. Considered by many as being the show stopper from the new boats presented in the fall of 2007, it offers interior accommodation for 10 guests in 5 separate cabins with crew accommodation for 7 members in 4 cabins. Designed with a planning hull it offers top speeds of 28 knots with cruising of 25 powered by twin MTU 2775hp engines.

Technical Data:

Length - 38.50 m (126.3ft)

Beam - 7.60 m

Draft - 2.85 m

Displacement - 156 t

Accommodation - 5 cabins for 10 guests, 7 crew berths in 4 cabins

Fuel Capacity - 30.000 l

Water Capacity - 6.000 l

Engines - 2 x MTU 12V4000M90 2775hp

Speed - 28 knots maximum, 25 knots cruising

Construction Material - alloy

www.sanlorenzoyacht.com

PowerYachtBlog Best of the Year 2007