Class 1 - Dubai Grand Prix Preview

With the outcome of the 2007 WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship already decided and the title back in Dubai after a five-year absence, Victory 77 and Spirit of Norway now go head-to-head in this weekend’s Dubai Grand Prix, the final race of the season, in a winner take all clash to decide the outcome of the WPPA Class 1 Middle East Championship, with the outgoing World and European Champions, Bjorn Gjelsten and Steve Curtis looking to deprive the new champions, Jean-Marc Sanchez and Arif Al Zafeen of a win on home waters, and from adding the Middle East title to the 2007 World and European titles already in their possession. Spirit of Norway go into the final race on 43 points and lead the Middle East Championship by two points from Victory 77, but Negotiator’s Chris Parsonage and Bard Eker - ten points off the lead - and Qatar 96, lying in fourth, are both in with a shot at the title should either of the two front runners hit trouble. Spirit of Norway and Qatar 96 will also be vying for the runners-up slot in the overall world championship standings and are currently tied on 96 points. Outside of the top three in the world standings, Abdullah Al–Sulaiti and Luca Nicolini in Qatar 95 will be looking to repeat their second place in the last race, to end the season as the strongest of the outfits running V8s and the best of the chasing pack, ahead of Victory 7 and Negotiator.

www.class-1.com

New Model: Hatteras 72 Motor Yacht

The new 72 Motor Yacht from Hatteras Yachts features traditional exterior lines with subtle contemporary styling for an overall effect that fits into today's marketplace while easily standing the test of time. This new model features a wider salon than comparable motor yachts on the market, yet it still retains side-deck access that makes the 72 Motor Yacht perfect for the owner operator. Down below, the 72 boasts a full-beam master stateroom with a his-and-hers head option, along with two luxurious guest rooms with a third available as an option. A clever aft compartment can be equipped as either a crew area or as a VIP guest room, creating a truly unique vessel in its size range. Built in Hatteras main facility in New Bern, N.C., the 72 Motor Yacht features a resin-infused hull, rather than one built up of layers of hand-laid fiberglass. The automated resin-infusion process produces a more uniform hull thickness from one hull to the next, as well as the most ideal glass-to-resin ratio. This one-two punch produces a boat that weighs significantly less because of the lowered resin content, while providing a more precise fit of bulkheads, stringers and other components for increased strength and durability. The solid fiberglass hull bottom includes beefy support for key areas such as the tunnels, shaft log and strut locations. Divinycell coring is infused into the hull sides, decks and superstructure to add stiffness and reduce weight. Wherever possible in the vessel's interior, lightweight components and materials are used to increase performance without sacrificing the structural integrity and soft ride that have been the hallmarks of Hatteras Yachts for more than 45 years. Because of this continued dedication to quality, the Hatteras 72 Motor Yacht will retain the five-year hull warranty that protects all Hatteras Yachts.

Technical Data:

Length - 20.89 m (72ft)

Beam - 6.57 m

Draft - 1.63 m

Displacement - 63.503 kg

Fuel Capacity - 8403 l

Water Capacity - 1135 l

Engines - 2 x MTU 1500hp, 1550hp, 1800hp, CAT 1550hp, CAT 1650hp, CAT 800hp

www.hatterasyachts.com

Project: Sealine 35 Sport

This new project from Sealine the 35 Sport, is based on the lines of latest launched model the SC 35, but is a more Sport or call it extreme version showing the versatility the British manufacturer has put into this design. Promoting it as the perfect day and weekend cruiser, the new 35 Sport has a complete wrap around sport windscreen with a distinctive stainless steel frame. The clean sophisticated lines of the totally open deck layout together with the low screen emphasise the fact that this is a boat that has been build for a true sports driving, wind in the hair navigation experience. The new Sealine 35 Sport will be presented next January at the top boat shows.

www.sealine.com

New Model: Cayman 50 Fly

The new Cayman 50 Fly is the new model of this highly respected boat builder situated in the North Tirrenian Sea, West Italian coast. Founded in the nineties by an experienced entrepreneur with much experience in the boating sector, the Cayman Yachts philosophy is to offer boats with the Italian touch of design, flair and hand building experience together with an American Sport Fisherman boat influence. Other design touches which makes the Cayman stand out is the walk around comfort of there decks which is featured in all the models from the smallest 38 ft up to the big open hard top models. The new Cayman 50 Fly as all the models of this prestigious builder, is designed by World Famous Venetian Nuvolari Lenard architects. Her interior have a classic approach offering a comfortable 3 cabin 2 head interior accommodation, with the master cabin forward and 2 guest cabins located mid ship. Other important features is the spaciousness of the cockpit and how it integrates with the saloon area but also the attention of the upper helm for having a good manoeuvring visibility. The 50 Fly has also very good performance, with the builder estimating 33 knots of maximum and a 29 knots of cruising with the not so big D9 Volvo's of 2 x 575 HP.

Technical Data:

Length - 15.00 m (49.2ft)

Beam - 4.50 m

Draft - 0.95 m

Displacement - 16.000 kg

Fuel Capacity - 1800 l

Water Capacity - 650 l

Max People on board - 12

Accommodation - 6 + 2 + optional crew

Engines - 2 x Volvo Penta D9 575hp

Speed - 33 knots maximum, 29 knots cruising

Range - 12 hours

Certification - CE A

www.caymanyachts.it

Class 1 - Spirit of Norway wins Dubai Mina Seyahi Grand Prix, Victory 77 Takes Title

Spirit of Norway’s Bjorn Gjelsten and Steve Curtis took their third win of the season in today’s drama-filled Mina Seyahi Grand Prix, but it was Arif Saif Al Zafeen and Jean Marc-Sanchez, who, despite receiving a penalty long-lap for a jump start, grabbed the glory and the headlines, bringing Victory 77 home in fourth place to clinch the 2007 WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship.

Abdullah Al-Sulaiti and Luca Nicolini produced their best result of the season finishing second in Qatar 95, some consolation for the team after Qatar 96 saw their title challenge end on lap 12 when mechanical problems reduced them to a crawl, with Sheikh Hassan and Matteo Nicolini eventually finishing down in ninth place. And there was more podium success for Negotiator’s Chris Parsonage and Bard Eker, finishing third for the second time in as many races. But not for the first time this season, there was drama right from the start, resulting in penalty long laps being issued to Victory 7 and 77 later in the race.

Victory 77 made a spectacular start moving from sixth place on the start line to lead by over seven seconds at the end of lap one, from Negotiator who moved up from fifth, with the pole sitters Spirit of Norway down to third place. Victory 7 also made up places moving into fourth ahead of both Qatar boats, with Jotun the biggest loser on the opening lap, dropping from second down to eighth place.Victory 77 stayed out front for the next six laps as the chasing pack exchanged long-laps and positions. On lap 8, Qatar 95 hit the front, only to concede to Spirit of Norway two laps later, with Victory 77 now third, ahead of Qatar 96 and Negotiator. By lap 13 Negotiator was up to third, with Victory paying the price of the penalty lap and down to fourth. The front runners would hold station for the remainder of the race, with Spirit of Norway taking the win and the lead in the Middle East Championship.Behind the front runners Victory 7 and Spirit of Norway fought over the remaining top six positions, with Victory 7 grabbing the advantage on lap 15.

Behind them Foresti&Suardi was battling with steering problems, but came in, in seventh ahead of Fainplast and an ailing Qatar 96 and SeveneleveN. Jotun’s disappointment continued, retiring on lap 7.With the world title decided, the focus now switches to the Middle East Championship and the final race of the season in Dubai next week. Spirit of Norway’s win puts them two points ahead of Victory 77, with Negotiator now in third place, one point ahead of Qatar 96.

MINA SEYAHI GRAND PRIX - results

1. Spirit of Norway 10 – B Gjelsten (NOR)/S Curtis (GB)

2. Qatar 95 – A Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) + 00.08,26

3. Negotiator 50 – B Eker (NOR)/C Parsonage (GB) + 00.34,86

4. Victory 77 – A Al Zafeen (UAE)/JM Sanchez (FR) + 01.38,78

5. Victory 7 – T Al Sayed (UAE)/N B Hendi (UAE) + 2.17,56

6. Spirit of Norway 20 – T Barry-Cotter (AUS)/P Nilsen (NOR) + 1 lap

7. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/G Montavoci (ITA) + 1 lap

8. Fainplast 2 – K Selmer (NOR)/G Carpitella (ITA) + 3 laps

9. Qatar 96 – H Al Thani (QAT)/M Nicolini (ITA) + 4 laps

10. SeveneleveN 18 – T Polli (ITA)/N Giorgi (ITA) + 4 laps

Jotun 90 – C Zaborowski (NOR)/J Tandberg (NOR) dnf

WPPA CLASS 1 WORLD POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP – after round 7 of 8

1. Victory 77 – A Al Zafeen (UAE)/JM Sanchez (FR) – 127pts

2= Qatar 96 – H Al Thani (QAT)/M Nicolini (ITA) – 96pts

2= Spirit of Norway 10 – B Gjelsten (NOR)/S Curtis (GB) – 96pts

4. Qatar 95 – A Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) – 64pts

5. Victory 7 – T Al Sayed (UAE)/N B Hendi (UAE) – 62pts

6. Negotiator 50 – B Eker (NOR)/C Parsonage (GB) – 49pts

7. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/G Montavoci (ITA) – 39pts

8. Spirit of Norway 20 – T Barry-Cotter (AUS)/P Nilsen (NOR) – 34pts

9. SeveneleveN 18 – T Polli (ITA)/N Giorgi (ITA) – 17pts

10. Jotun 90 – C Zaborowski (NOR)/J Tandberg (NOR) - 14pts

11. Fainplast 2 – K Selmer (NOR)/G Carpitella (ITA) – 8pts

WPPA CLASS 1 MIDDLE EAST CHAMPIONSHIP – after round 3 of 4

1. Spirit of Norway 10 – B Gjelsten (NOR)/S Curtis (GB) – 43pts

2. Victory 77 – A Al Zafeen (UAE)/JM Sanchez (FR) – 41pts

3. Negotiator 50 – B Eker (NOR)/C Parsonage (GB) – 33pts

4. Qatar 96 – H Al Thani (QAT)/M Nicolini (ITA) – 32pts

5. Qatar 95 – A Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) – 24pts

6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/G Montavoci (ITA) – 15pts

7. Victory 7 – T Al Sayed (UAE)/N B Hendi (UAE) – 14pts

8. Spirit of Norway 20 – T Barry-Cotter (AUS)/P Nilsen (NOR) – 10pts

9. Jotun 90 – C Zaborowski (NOR)/J Tandberg (NOR) - 5pts

10. Fainplast 2 – K Selmer (NOR)/G Carpitella (ITA) – 3pts

11. SeveneleveN 18 – T Polli (ITA)/N Giorgi (ITA) – 1pts

www.class-1.com

New Model: Amer 92

The new Amer 92 is the natural evolution of the Amer 86 design, inheriting and developing those features that made Amer 86 such a success. The boat’s performance, its handling qualities and its sea worthiness are an essential part of the hull’s performance. It should also be noted that the boat is fully equipped, underlying the shipyard’s flexibility in making boats that are highly personalized and custom based, paying attention to the smallest detail. The styling of Amer 92 is in harmony with the design of its popular sister yacht. This establishes a feeling of stylistic continuity, but does not prevent its features being improved, in particular by prolonging and harmonizing its surfaces. The boat’s outline has benefited from the increased length, resulting in a more attractive and streamlined design. The yacht’s larger size has favoured its standard layout – if one can speak of standards about a shipyard that has made of the custom-based approach its key to success. There have been major improvements in each area, from the boat’s stern to the bow. Changes have not only been made to the crew cabin, the VIP and the twin berth guest cabins, but above all to the master cabin. All the accommodation area space has been revised, extended and optimized. The new window design also guarantees better lighting of the day area. The main deck layout has also been redesigned to enhance its functionality: the dining area is independent from the saloon and a single staircase leads to the lower deck. Rather than enlarging the already functional galley and wheelhouse, the cockpit has been transformed into a vital living area. In defining the project’s objectives the possible options afforded by the boat’s increased dimensions have been taken into consideration, as well as the new demands of a constantly changing market. The size and dimensions of the Amer 92 have enabled the construction of an aft garage for the tender’s storage and further optimization of the space allow the shipyard to offer the customer a 5 cabin option. The space previously employed for the tender on the Amer 86 has been replaced by a wider flybridge, where a Jacuzzi and a large sun bed can now be found. The most recent market trends and new customer demands show a growing awareness of environmental factors. In terms of the boat design this has meant focusing on ever-increased efficiency. The demand for an eco-friendly product will be as important in the future as the search for increased power once was. Customers will no longer be satisfied with a more powerful horse-power, but will insist on assessing the yacht’s true efficiency. The Amer team has made of these concepts their guiding principles, deciding to concentrate on two essential features: energy conservation and respect for the environment. The boat has been made lighter and more resistant by using new materials and by adjusting the weight distribution. These arrangements together with the excellent hull qualities and an optimization of the propulsion system ensure that Amer 92 has the best consumption rates in its category. Tests on the Amer 86 have shown that in displacement navigation, using one single engine, during long voyages, the consumption rate can be compared to that of a small displaced ship. These arrangements are the basis of the new project and will enable the boat to face long voyages with very low consumption rates. The interior plan of the yacht has also been modified with a view to conserving energy: from the lighting to the electrical system to the air conditioning system and the internal insulation. The result is a boat that can, just to give one example, under the same external environmental conditions, in terms of temperature and humidity, stay at anchor employing only a part of the power needed by the generators if compared to other boats of similar classification. These modifications have reduced sound levels, thus achieving greater comfort on board. The employment of a system treating all sewage on board enable the yacht to moor in port or stay at anchor without being subject to rules which are going to be made more restrictive in the future.
Technical Data:

LOA - 28.00 m (91.8ft)

Waterline Length - 23.96 m

Beam - 6.30 m

Draft - 2.00 m

Fuel Capacity - 8000 l

Water Capacity - 2200 l

Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins

Engines - 2 x Cats 1825hp

Speed - 30 knots top, 28 knots cruising

Range - 500 miles

Styling - Massimo Verme, Verme Yacht Projects

Building Material - fiberglass

Category - CE A

www.ameryachts.it

New Model: Uniesse 75 Open HT

Uniesse had an amazing fall 2007 boat show year presenting four new models between 65 feet to the latest 75 feet flagship, the new 75 Open HT model. This is a very important new boat for the Shipyard as it's represent the Uniesse design philosophy, that of producing American Sport Fisherman style boats but with an Italian Mediterranean heritage of maximum onboard comfort status. Uniesse calls the 75 Open HT as the classic from the future, and how can you not agree with this statement. The biggest boat ever produced by this shipyard represents two important aspects, tradition which is represented by the external lines and innovation shown in the liveable space and state of the art technology. The new flagship from this prestigious shipyard has a unique exterior design which is completed inside with the best in onboard comfort, design innovation and the superb sea keeping Uniesse is renowned for. Interior accommodation is for a 4 double cabins all with private bathroom, a double fully equipped crew cabin is located mid-ships and a separate spacious galley is located next to the crew quarters at mid-ships that makes for the best of inside privacy.

Technical Data:

LOA - 23.83 m (78.2ft)

Beam - 5.6 m

Draft - 1.72 m

Weight - 55.000 kg empty, 64.000 kg loaded

Max Persons - 16

Fuel Capacity - 6730 l

Water Capacity - 1350 l

Engines - 2 x Cat 1670hp

Speed - 36 knots estimated

Category - CE A

www.uniesse.com

PowerYachtBlog Best of 2007 Nominated

Monthly News - November 2007

- pic of the month - Alicante Doma & Porsche

Alicante Doma and Porsche all about Passion

With such a suggestive title, last 26 to 28th of October, was celebrated in Marina Alicante an exclusive presentation of Doma and Porsche. This event had a great attendance with a selective participation of clients, press and recognized personalities of the business and culture ambit of the east of Spain. Astilleros de Alicante presented Doma 3 Avante, just before its first worldwide appearance at the Barcelona International Boat Show. This new model of Doma showed its spectacular design and its improvements in the interior functionality. Likewise one brand new unit of Doma 5 was also presented, a model with an attractive interior and exterior re-styling. Porsche, represented by Centro Porsche Alicante, showed the complete range of their selective range and a spectacular unit of the limited edition Carrera GT. Furthermore, three additional models, 911 4S, Cayman S and Cayenne S, were ready for an exciting driving test around the city of Alicante. This relationship between these two prestigious brands has been inspired by the shared passion in producing an exclusive product where the highest quality and the care on every detail are combined with a purely sport touch. This has not being an isolated experience and actually the next event is currently being studied, a signal of the great success of this first appointment.


Azimut Capture the Dream

A press conference was held at the Yacht Club Milano to present a new advertising campaign for Azimut Yachts, by JWT Italia. The new campaign comprises two corporate and 20 product ads and has been on air since the beginning of October in ten countries, notably including, outside Europe, the USA, India and China. It will be extended to a total of 30 countries by the end of this year. The “Capture the Dream” campaign is designed to arouse the instinct and reasoning of Azimut’s target – a mindset that is a complex weave of realism and imaginativeness.

Azimut Enviromental Policy

Azimut has defined an Environment Policy which represents the guidelines that intends to follow. This policy must represent a boost to promote a sustainable industrial development through the management of production cycles, on the basis of advanced environment protection criteria.


Fulvio Dodich Leaves Ferretti Group

Fulvio Dodich, currently in charge of Ferretti Yachts, Mochi Craft and Custom Line, has decided to leave Ferretti Group in order to follow a different professional career path outside the company. Ferretti Group C.E.O. Vincenzo Cannatelli will immediately take temporary charge as Manager of the Ferretti Yachts, Mochi Craft and Custom Line brands. The members of the Board of Directors wish to thank Fulvio Dodich, who will leave his position as of today, on behalf of Ferretti Group for the efficient, invaluable work he has carried out during over eleven years activity in the Group and the very best of luck for his future success.


Ferretti Yachts and Alcantara Important Co-branding Action

As expression of the most exclusive and sophisticated "made in Italy", Ferretti Yachts will be present in the current issue of "Panorama", "Espresso" and the German magazine "Stern" through "A'bout", a publication created for the most important activities of Alcantara, partner for the realization of the interior decoration of our yachts. The main objective of "A'bout" is to celebrate both the exceptionality of a material with extraordinary features and the partners that choose Alcantara to enrich their creations.The fifth issue of "A'bout" focuses on three subjects: Design & Comfort - with Ferretti Yachts, Elegance&Performance - with Porsche and Audi and Moda&Glamour with Canali. This communication action will reach more than 2.450.000 qualified contacts in Italy and Germany and will contribute towards improving the awareness of Ferretti Yachts and the brand reputation & consideration.


Grand Banks on Wave of Strong Sales

Grand Banks Yachts ends the 2007 season riding a strong wave of sales that has helped the company fill the production schedule for its 2008 models, and launch the 2009 model year with a solid start. The news follows several consecutive years of record sales for Grand Banks.


Hatteras reports on Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

Hatteras Yachts enjoyed a solid Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show despite the potential effect on buyers’ enthusiasm from continuing high fuel prices, a slow economy, threatening storms and reduced foot traffic. Thanks to a strong international market, the debut of the new 72 Motor Yacht, and the continuing success of its proven line of sports fishing convertibles, Hatteras secured a significant increase in retail sales and stock orders from its authorized dealer network. This combination of retail and stock orders represented the second most units sold at a Ft. Lauderdale show in more than 15 years, and the highest retail value over that same time frame.


Horizon Demand Require A-Tech Expansion

Atech Composites, a professional FRP parts manufacturer of Horizon Group, is trying to cope with the increase in demand from each shipyard while only limited storage areas are available for the completed hulls and parts to remain before their delivery dates. Felix Lee, the production manager of Atech, points out that there is not sufficient space for storing the parts. Felix mentioned that Research and Development on improving the production procedure in order to shorten production time is becoming essential to meet the rapidly increasing demand.


Riviera Improves Manufacturing Process

Australia’s largest luxury boat builder, Riviera, has embarked on a $6.35 million expansion program at its Coomera headquarters, adding approximately 3,640 square metres of additional factory space. The total factory floor space of the Riviera manufacturing facility will then be more than 40,000 square metres, the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere and one of the largest in the world. The works currently underway involve the expansion of the lamination facilities, providing an additional 2,190 square metres and also the construction of a new after-market service centre on a waterfront site to the south of the existing Riviera buildings. The new waterfront building, with 1,450 square metres of floor space, will offer boat owners a full on-site customisation, servicing, refurbishing and maintenance service. The after market and service centre will include a 75-tonne mobile boat hoist capable of handling vessels up to 6.5 metres in beam and around 26 metres (approximately 85 feet) in length.

Riviera new Director of Sales in Europe

Dave M. Taylor has joined Riviera Yachts of the Americas as Director of Sales for Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME). Dave Taylor most recently was Director of Sales and Marketing for Luhrs Sportfishing boats worldwide and prior to that directed the sales and marketing efforts for Wellcraft Marine in America. Prior to that, he was with Detroit Diesel, Yamaha and Evinrude in marketing and dealer development. He has been in the marine industry since 1972. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, the University of Michigan Business School (Executive Management) and Texas A & M University (Management Development and Equipment Distributors). Riviera Yachts of the Americas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Riviera, Australia’s largest luxury boat builder. The company is one of the most active yacht builders in the world, introducing a new boat about every 90 days.

Sunseeker Signs Contract for Sea-Fire Systems

Sea-Fire Europe, a recognized leader in fire suppression technology, has signed a new, 3-year contract with Sunseeker International. Sea-Fire managing director Ernie Ellis made the announcement. Sea-Fire fire suppression, shutdown and alarm systems will be standard on all Sunseeker builds. New Sea-Fire monitoring equipment, featuring FireStop technology, will be fitted on larger craft. Approved and listed by agencies worldwide, Sea-Fire products allow Sunseeker's yachts to comply with fire suppression regulations internationally. Providing peace of mind, Sea-Fire supplies FM-200 engineered and pre-engineered fire suppression systems and accessories. Fast and effective, FM-200 is safe for people and environmentally responsible.


Tecnomar Expands

Demonstration of the great expansion happening for Tecnomar Yachts, following the request of more but also bigger boats and having the desire to effect a full production cycle in one single yard, Paolo and Faliero Sarti have managed to agree in an expansion plan in Farmoplant Zone next to the current yard. The works have already started and will add 3000 squared metres to the existent establishment in the first quarter of 2008. The new structure will be added to the existent structure and will transfer to Massa the interior yacht assembly, leaving to the Viareggio yard only the finishing completion touches to the Yachts.


Viking Wins 27th Annual Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament

Days before the start of the tournament, Hurricane Kiko was headed towards Los Cabos. Fortunately, the storm changed path but not before churning up the water and bringing plenty of fish. Captain Mike Powell, on board the Viking 53 Missing Lenk, clinched the title of Second Place Boat thanks to a 591 pound blue marlin. Missing Lenk also took Second Place Top Captain. Over 150 teams released more than 200 billfish.

New Model: Mochi 54 Dolphin

Mochi Craft the renowned Italian builder continues to update it's range of Lobster yachts with the introduction of the new 54 Dolphin model. The Italian company describes this new model as a meeting of futuristic design ideas with the past traditional, historical legacy that a Lobster boat has to offer. This new latest Dolphin model reinterprets the past of the Lobster boat and Italian design philosophy with a unique blend of style, sophistication, color, passion and personality. The Italian design touch can be seen in the exterior lines with the feature of huge side windows on the hull side, sun pad forward, innovative additional sun pad on top of the coach roof, but also hidden design touches like the tender garage or the bathing platform which can be extended for increased sea enjoyment space. Other important aspects for the new 54 Dolphin is the spacious interior which can compete with similar sized craft, featuring an important three double cabins, 2 head layout but also an additional crew cabin with personal head located mid ship. Performance forecast is for a 32 knots top speed with twin MAN 800hp engines.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.65 m (54.8ft)

Length - 16.46 mt

Waterline Length - 15 m

Beam - 4.90 m

Draft - 1.42 m

Displacement - 21.50 t unloaded, 26.90 t loaded

Max Persons - 12

Fuel Capacity - 2550 l

Water Capacity - 710 l

Engines - 2 x MAN R6 CR6L 800hp

Performance - 32 knots top, 28 knots cruising

Project - Victory Design Brunello Acampora

Category - CE A

www.mochicraft-yacht.com

Class 1 - Dubai U.A.E. Mina Seyahi Preview

After an enthralling and compelling season, where spectacular racing has been matched by intense rivalries on and off the water, the final throws of the dice to decide the 2007 WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship will unfold with two races in a week in Dubai, and the stage is set for yet another nail-biting finale, as the two remaining title challengers go head-to-head after a gruelling, season-long tussle. Victory 77 will line up for next weekend’s Mina Seyahi Grand Prix, round 7 of the WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, tantalisingly close to lifting their first World title and a record seventh for the mighty Dubai-based, Victory Team. If they finish ahead of their title rivals, the championship is theirs. It has been a stellar season for Sanchez and Al Zafeen, racing together for the first time. They won the season opener in Athens, with Al Zafeen becoming the first rookie to win on his Class 1 debut and two wins later, in Romania, became the first rookie, and Sanchez the first Frenchman, to win the Class 1 European Championship. Their fourth win of the season last time out at the Qatar Grand Prix in Doha means they head into the penultimate race of the season with a 22-point advantage over their nearest rivals in the overall race for honours and a slender two point lead in the Middle East Championship. Standing between Victory 77 and the title that they are so desperate to bring home, is Qatar 96, who simply have to finish ahead of Victory 77 and by a margin of three points or more if they are to take the battle for the World Championship down to the final race of the season, the Dubai Grand Prix on Saturday, 8 December. Sheikh Hassan and Nicolini are enjoying their best season to date, and with six podiums on the bounce are sure to keep the pressure on the leaders until the very last lap. Spirit of Norway’s tenure as World Champions effectively ended in Qatar, when they limped out of the race on lap 15 with engine problems, but could still add the Middle East Championship to the Edox Pole Position Championship - which they clinched in Doha with their fifth consecutive win in qualifying - by winning the final two races. Outside of the lead trio, just 24 points separate the next five boats and the scramble for points and to be the best-of-the-rest may well become an unwelcome headache for Victory 77 and Qatar 96 as they fight it out for the title. Victory 7 lead the chasing pack, and are undoubtedly quick, but have lacked the consistency seen in the opening two rounds, but if they pull it all together on race day, they will certainly be amongst the front runners. Currently lying fifth is Qatar 95, are the pick of those running V8s, and fourth place in Arendal, a podium in Romania and fourth again in Qatar confirm their credentials. The most improved outfit over the last three races is Negotiator, the only outfit in the championship running Sterling V8s, taking fifth, fourth and a podium last time out, and sees them on a hard-charge and climbing up the championship standings. Just two points behind them is Foresti & Suardi, who, after competing in the last two races in his second boat, is expected to be back in his favoured raceboat. Tom Barry-Cotter and Pal Nilsen will be trying to repeat the performances that have produced three top six finishes in their first season together, and will be aiming to add another, with Nicola Giorgi and Tomaso Polli hoping to see out the season in the Cougar with some solid points finishes. Whilst Jotun will simply be wondering when the run of bad luck that has blighted their season, will end, and will be praying that they have a trouble-free race to realise their pace and potential. The race weekend kicks off with official practice on Thursday, 29 November and the first opportunity for the teams to familiarise themselves with a revised course. A second practice session on Friday morning is followed by the Edox Pole Position in the afternoon and a final practice session on Saturday morning, followed by the Mina Seyahi Grand Prix.

www.class-1.com