Projects: Astondoa 116 Steel Explorer, Astondoa 185 Steel

The renowned Spanish builder enters the Steel building Super Yacht market with a line dedicated for this type of vessels with 3 different sized models of which one just launched. This project of a 35 metre displacement 116 Steel Explorer model will feature three decks, offering luxurious accommodation for 10 or 12 guests in 5 or 6 cabins. She will be powered by twin 650hp Caterpillar engines, which Astondoa is estimating will give top speeds of 14 knots and a cruising of about 13. Very good is the range which will be 4000 nautical miles at a relaxing pace of 10 knots. The biggest super yacht project from Astondoa resumes what the new steel line of this builder wants to offer. Standing at 185 feet or 56 meters the four deck 185 Steel, will be the biggest super yacht ever build from Astondoa. She will have the best luxurious accommodation for 12 guests. Crew accommodation is for 12 or 13. Propulsion power is provided by twin MTU 2035hp which will give maximum speeds of about 15 knots and cruising of 13. Range is estimated around the 4000 nautical miles.

www.astondoa.es

Interview - Marco Pennesi from Powerboat Endurance Team Metamarine Corse Veneta Marina Racing

PowerYacht presents a special about the Powerboat P1 2008 season interviewing the racers and protagonist of the series in both classes. As a start to these special interviews we talk with Metamarine Corse Veneta Marina Racing, interviewing team boss and driver Marco Pennesi. Metamarine after the third round and sixth race of Malta is in third place in the Evolution Class at 330 points, 100 points away from current class leader and 2007 Champion Fountain Worldwide. The 60 GFN Gibellato boat is also one of the two Evolution boats with diesel power.
Questions PY. PowerYacht, Reply MP - Marco Pennesi

PY. A strong preparation from your side for this season, are you satisfied with the results achieved so far?
MP - Yes we're very satisfied with our boat, we've to tweak it better but we have dominated three Poles, and that's a great satisfaction.

PY. As you point out, you have dominated so far every Power Pole and won a race on the table in Italy, what is missing for the 60 GFN Gibellato to win a race? Is it really as the rumors say a fuel weight problem?
MP - We have no fuel problem rather we noticed a low fuel consumption on our boat. The bad start was caused by a not well working engine.

PY. Yes the bad starts have also been a characteristic of Gibellato so far, with some people arguing the fact that if boat 60 goes up well at the start it can win the race. Are these rumors correct? When one notes that you have the opportunity to choose your lane as Power Pole winners, giving another advantage. What is has been the problem at the start?
MP - We have no problem with the start, we won every pole position so our boat can win every race. Our boat just need an engine tweak cause we're the only one using such kind of Seatek engine, and there's some work to do in order to fix the sx turbo-charged engine.

PY. Rumor has it that 60 GFN Gibellato prefers the rough sea thanks to the diesel power, 46 feet size and extra weight. But once the race gets going it seems not to be much difference as was the case in Italy with not much of waves in there. What type of weather suits best to the boat and what is your preference?
MP - The 60 GFN Gibellato doesn't have a preferred sea or weather, it's racing very well in every G.P., and we haven't got any hull damage since now as many of the other team had. I personally prefer rough sea, it's more enjoyable for a pilot!

PY. Fountain Worldwide won the 2007 season in the final race. When one notes that you Metamarine had an improved package and OSG a new outfit, did you think to find the English USA team so much a step ahead in the first part of the P1 2008 season?
MP - We don't think Fountain is unbeatable, furthermore considering that the capability of a boat is expressed well during the pole position, with open sea and clear way, and we won all the 3 Pole Position. We just need to tweak our boat in order to beat Fountain

PY. Which of the new teams will give the biggest competition for the title? (Italcraft, Cigarette, and Honeyparty) Any why do you think they are tough to beat?
MP - I dunno which may be more competitive for us, we won all the pole and we're third in the P1 standing. We'll see what happen in the next G.P. Of Tunisia

PY. We saw a great comeback in Malta from the OSG Racing Team. After Malta they seem the team to beat at least in the racing. Do you think that the rough seas could have been to there advantage or the OSG package is complete?
MP - Yes, OSG for sure found a perfect sea and weather for their boat, and they did a nice race.

PY. Petrol vs Diesel! You are so far one of two teams gambling on diesel in Evolution, with the heavy fuel last winning the P1 championship in 2005 with Wettpunkt.com. Analyzing the races now after the third race would you make the same choice? Do you still think diesel can beat petrol?
MP - Diesel Engine is clearly better than Petrol, we've 3 time the torque than a Petrol engine and that allow us to move faster from a buoy, furthermore the three Pole win state our boat concrete superiority.

PY. In the real nautical World most boats over 10 meters are sold with Diesel power. I think P1 is pushing more for Petrol power due to the bigger show thanks to the noise that they make, but if competitions should be used to push technology forward in the real World, they would do the opposite. What is your idea about this?
MP - Petrol Engine make for sure more “show and noise”, but as u said diesel motor is the most used power system in the real world; furthermore considering the low consumption, the great torque power. We think that Diesel engine are the future, we work totally on diesel engine and we're looking to introduce the Metamarine way of boat construction.

PY. In your opinion are the rules from the P1 between diesel and petrol engines fair? Would you change improve some things?
MP - P1 rule are fair. The organization just need to check better the boat, in all it's part, looking for water tank or some other device prohibited by the rule.

PY. Was the calendar start for the 2008 season with 3 races going on 2 weeks after each other too close? Did it affect if anything your preparation.
MP - It affected a lot my preparation due to the low time we had to prepare and tweak the boat, considering also the work I have constantly to do in my shipyard and workshop.

PY. You have won the 2004 Supersport Championship. Did you find the transition from Supersport to Evolution difficult?
MP - It wasn't difficult, we found it more gratifying and enjoyable for our team.

PY. The standards from 2007 to 2008 in Evolution seem to have made a big leap forward, are you satisfied with the improvements?
MP - I'm not completely satisfied, looking to the future there's a lot of work to do.

PY. Rules change with no speed limits ensure the superiority of the Evolution Class, but also a race separation is also good. It was said that after winning in Cowes and disqualified cause of the speed limit you where among the first who raised this issue. How much is there truth in this rumor?
MP - We got a disqualification from a UIM judge, and the judgment was clearly unfair. We constantly work in order to improve the rule for a more safe and enjoyable Championship.

PY. What would you like to see P1 improve in?
MP - P1 is doing a nice job, and we always try to help as much as possible in order to improve the rule, the championship and the whole organization.

PY. You have raced in Class One, fast offshore catamarans last year. What is your idea about Class1 and how does it compare to P1?
MP - Class One is the most gratifying sport. No other sport give u the adrenaline and the fun u can have from a Class One race, and it's not comparable to P1 race.

PY. Will we see you racing in Class One again?
MP - If the rule change I will be the first in line! The actual rule doesn't allow me to race fairly.

PY. Managing also a boatyard and building the Metamarine 46 TNT Replica which is based on the 46 Corsa racing boat used in the P1, do you think that competition like P1 helps technology move forward?
MP - For sure! We race in P1 championship for passion and in order to improve the advanced technology of our boat, evolving our TNT 46 Corsa in a perfect pleasure craft, the TNT 46 Replica. We are very proud of our technological boat solution.

Thanks for your time and acceptance of the PowerYacht interview. Best of luck for the 2008 season and all your future racing success.

www.metamarinecorse.it / www.powerboatp1.com

Projects: Horizon 160 Premier, Horizon 115-125 Yacht, Hoizon 68 Elegance

The soon to come new flagship of the Hoizon line, the project of the 160 Premier follows the launching this company did with the 130 Premier model. Little information is as yet available! But so far we know that it will be an imposing three deck super yacht, will have from 6 to 9 guest cabins, 5 crew cabins and will be powered by 2 Caterpillar 2680 hp engines. This new Yacht line will replace the Dynasty line offer by Elegance of the same size. The new Yacht line will be a European styled yacht offering an aggressive profile with two and half decks. As was the case for the Dynasty yachts it will be offered with the same hull in three different lengths of 115, 120 and 125 feet, with the main difference in the stern area, with a wide variety of options, going from a big bathing platform to a huge garage option for various usage and stowage of different type of watercraft from tenders to water toys. A nice edition to the Horizon Elegance line will be the new 68, standing at 20 metres it stands in the middle of the offers of this renowned company. The new Elegance 68 will be offered in a 3 or 5 cabin version of which 1 for crew. The 68 will also boast a tender garage as standard, a much sought feature in the smaller of the Elegance yachts, which is much appreciated, as it leaves the use of the outside areas reserved for pure entertainment.

www.horizonyacht.com

Project: Fiart 4Seven Genius

The project of new Fiart 4Seven Genius, follows the Italian builder philosophy of offering conservative but innovative designed boats, updating the current line with each new model presented. New 4Seven Genius will use modern trends as the hard top similar to the flagship 50 Genius Top Style also build with carbon fibre. The new Fiart will follow the current elements which have given the Genius Sports Cruiser line the desired success in a much competitive market as: excellent interior space with 7 berths, flexible spacious exterior spaces, sea worthy balanced hull, excellent power to weight ratio, infusion building technique and the use of Volvo IPS propulsion as used on the 50 Genius.

www.fiart.com

New Model: Galeon 530 HT

Based on the hull of the current Galeon flagship the 530 Fly, the new 530 HT model adds versatility to the Polish builder offer. The new 530 HT retains all the other elements which characterize the fly version minus the second helm flying bridge up top, which is replaced with a stylish glass hard top. Upon entering inside we find the dual raised saloon, with the c-shaped settee welcoming guests upon entering from the patio door, a galley on the raised area and a second C-shaped settee. On the lower deck, reserved all for accommodation we find the three forward cabins, with full beam owners suite, VIP forward and a 2 berth bunk cabin. Aft is an extra spacious crew cabin which can also be used for the guests, thanks to its extra space. Performance wise the Galeon 530 HT, can reach speeds of a maximum of 32 knots with 2 x 800 hp engines.

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.20 m (53.1ft)

Beam - 4.70 m

Draft - 1.05 m

Weight - 26.400 kg loaded, 21.700 kg light

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 1000 l

Water Capacity - 600 l

Max Persons - 12

Engines - 2 x 615hp, 2 x 800hp

Speeds - 32 knots max with 800hp

www.galeon.pl

Powerboat P1 - Malta Grand Prix, Kiton Outerlimits Conam Yachts Take All

It was a weekend of great racing in Malta and having watched the races and Powerpole live, it was an experience to see and remeber. So it the circus is close by go and have a look! The most thing that strikes is how the P1 circus is growing its professionalism with the teams looking as good as it gets. Think about the top motor sports like Formula One and there it goes. This is no surprise having various top powerboat builders like Cigarette, Fountain, Outerlimirs, Skater, Metamarine and Italcraft Inrizzardi competing on official basis. The racing was fantastic with 44 Chaudron Conam Yachts still dominating the Supersport class, but a nice turn around in the Evolution with a double win from OSG Kiton Outerlimits, and chart leaders Fountain worldwide taking second overall. Now it will be a month of break which I am sure will serve some teams to upgrade there package when the next race happens in Tunisia.
Evolution
After four races of domination by the reigning champion 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com team, the tide of the Evolution class title fight took a dramatic turn in Saturday’s Evolution class Endurance race of the Malta Grand Prix of the Sea.
The 88 Kiton Outerlimits pairing of 2006 Evolution class champion Giancarlo Cangiano and Joe Sgro dominated the Endurance event in incredibly rough conditions, ultimately taking the chequered flag with a four-minute lead over the second-place 60 GFN Gibellato boat. The heavy diesel-powered 60 GFN Gibellato boat had proved a revelation in the smooth conditions of the season-opener in San Benedetto del Tronto in Italy, and as expected was even more ideally suited to pushing through today’s rougher waves off the coast of host city Valletta. A poor start that left the team trailing the competition and having to fight their way through the field was perhaps all that prevented the team from scoring its second win of the season. In third were the 69 Honeyparty.com entry, scoring their first points of the year after impressive pace, but poor reliability in the first two rounds. The Chief-powered Skater boat was a consistent frontrunner throughout the course of today’s race, despite as a smaller boat being less favoured in the rough conditions. In fact, so rough were the conditions, that battle damage cracks could clearly be seen on the 69 Honeyparty.com’s hull. The 77 Lucas Oil boat had been in the early fight for the top three podium positions, but was forced out of the battle by a broken engine mount. That was a big help to the 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com team, who moved back through the field after dropping back at the start. Sadly, for the Evolution class championship leaders, a suspected electrical problem meant they lost engine power and ultimately had to settle for fourth place. The 66 Cranfields Wine boat and the 57 Centaurian Yachts boats rounded out the race finishers, with the 53 Pignolo 53 and 76 Italcraft entries both retiring with technical problems in the rough conditions.
The 88 Kiton Outerlimits OSG racing crew of Giancarlo Cangiano and Joe Sgro took their second Evolution class win of the Malta Grand Prix of the Sea weekend in Sunday’s Sprint event, securing the overall Grand Prix of the Sea victory and moving into second place in the Evolution class championship standings. It was another dominant performance from 2006 champion Cangiano and Sgro in the Mercury-powered Outerlimits boat. Finishing in second place were the reigning title winners and current championship leaders, the 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com entry. Although the pair were clearly settled for second after dropping back at the start, a solid weekend and a pair of points finishes mean they’ve continued to enhance their lead at the top of the standings. The 10 Fantastic 1 Cigarette Racing Team Europe entry rounded out the podium finishers, despite slowing rapidly in the second half of the race with an engine problem. The 66 Cranfields Wine and 60 GFN Gibellato boat rounded out the top five finishers, while Italian Max Ferrari limped his 53 Pignolo 53 entry home after his canopy came loose midway through the race, severely hampering the handling of his boat. The 69 Honeyparty.com team were forced to pull in halfway through the race with a split hull, leaving the British-based outfit with a sour aftertaste to yesterday’s podium glory. It was also a bad day for the 77 Lucas Oil crew, failing to even start the race after delays leaving the harbour, a consequence of repairing the damage from Saturday's engine bolt failure.
Supersport
Local Maltese hero Aaron Ciantar, driving the 44 Conam Yachts entry, piloted his team to victory in Saturday’s SuperSport Endurance event, the first race of the Malta Grand Prix of the Sea weekend.
Ciantar and reigning SuperSport champion throttleman Angelo Tedeschi led the race from start to finish in their locally-built, Mercury-powered Chaudron boat. The SuperSport championship-leading team were untouchable as they attacked the rough seas off the coast of host city Valletta, securing their second success of the weekend after yesterday’s PowerPole win. With two boats the 08 Phoenix 8 and the 46 Spirit of Portomaso, forced out at the start of the race due to mechanical problems, the remaining teams took to the start line as the wind increased . As the seas got rougher, attrition was bound to be a factor and, by the fourth lap, the 22 Big Sergio entry had retired with mechanical difficulties, while the 59 Saho boat suffered a broken water pump. Drive of the day came from the 07 VoomVoom.com crew, who came from the back of the field to take a dramatic second place from the 38 Baia High Performance boat in the closing stages. Despite choosing the wrong propellers for the conditions, 47 Buzzi Bullet continued its fight to the finish.
The 44 Conam Yachts crew of reigning SuperSport champion Angelo Tedeschi and local Maltese hero Aaron Ciantar took their second win of the weekend and their fifth win of the year in Sunday’s SuperSport Sprint race to secure overall victory in the Malta Grand Prix of the Sea event. The duo in their Mercury-powered Chaudron hull, built in Malta by Ciantar's family business were never headed from the start of the race, and romped home to another dominant and unchallenged victory. The 38 Baia High Performance boat finished second after a ding-dong, three-way battle for the remaining podium places with the 07 VoomVoom.com boat and the 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet crew. 07 VoomVoom.com pairing looked like they’d blown it as they spun out two laps from the end, but were able to mount a late charge to push the 38 Baia High Performance crew of Stefano Acanfora and Renato Guidi right to the chequered flag, ensuring they retain their second place in the SuperSport championship standings. The 07 VoomVoom.com’s recovery was helped by technical problems in the 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet that caused them to drop back to fourth in the closing stages of the race. The 46 Spirit of Portomaso boat and the 22 Big Sergio crew rounded out the finishers, while 59 Saho was forced to turn back to port before the race even started and 08 Phoenix 8 missed the first Powerboat P1 SuperSport race in three years a legacy of the engine problems that blighted the team’s race on Saturday.

Evolution Class Sprint Results

1 88 Kiton Outerlimits 36m17.46s

2 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com 37m13.50s

3 10 The Fantastic 1 36m19.45s - 1 lap

4 66 Cranefields Wine 36m43.59s - 1 lap

5 60 GFN Gibellato 37m22.75s - 1 lap

6 76 Italcraft 38m46.08s - 1 lap

7 53 Pignolo 53 47m21.38s - 2 laps

8 69 honeyparty.com RET

9 57 Centaurian Yachts RET

10 77 Lucas Oil DNS

Evolution Class Endurance Results

1 88 Kiton Outerlimits 1h03m22.66s

2 60 GFN Gibellato 1h07m38.59s

3 69 honeyparty.com 1h08m02.99s

4 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com 1h07m56.59s - 1 lap

5 66 Cranefields Wine 1h08m64.96s - 1 lap

6 57 Centaurian Yachts 1h07m40.00s - 2 laps

7 53 Pignolo 53 RET 8 77 Lucas Oil RET

9 76 Italcraft RET 10

10 The Fantastic 1 DNS

SuperSport Class Sprint Results

1 44 Conam Yachts 40m28.07s

2 38 Baia High Performance 42m02.68s

3 07 VoomVoom.com 42m04.51s

4 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet 42m19.93s

5 46 The Spirit of Portomaso 45m09.51s + 4m penalty

6 22 The Big Sergio RET

7 08 Phoenix TV DNS

8 59 Saho DNS

SuperSport Class Endurance Results

1 44 Conam Yachts 1h36m02.33s

2 07 VoomVoom.com 1h37m29.03s

3 38 Baia High Performance 1h39m45.55s

4 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet 1h38m57.95s - 1 lap

5 22 The Big Sergio RET

6 59 Saho RET

7 08 Phoenix TV DNS

8 46 The Spirit of Portomaso DNS

www.powerboatp1.com

New Model: Tecnomar 36 Velvet

The first model of the Velvet 36 line was launched last May 10th. Four years after the official debut of the Velvet 35, the yacht that confirmed Tecnomar's leading position in the "open yacht" sector, the Viareggio-based shipyard is back with a new generation of "maxi" open yachts. Besides more overall length, the Velvet 36 line also introduces a number of new design features created by architect and designer Luca Dini. Starting from the hull, among the differences compared to the previous model we find a new windowing scheme. The typical flush portholes with stainless steel framing have been replaced with the more sporty and modern looking rectangular embedded portholes that can be easily opened to give even more light and air to all the cabins. The second saloon/dining area presents triple side windows to offer a breathtaking panorama view from both sides of the boat, giving all guests on board an unprecedented view of the sea and the feeling of being on a raised platform just above sea level. For safety reasons, the panoramic side windows cannot be opened and are made of armored, bullet-proof and break-resistant glass. As for the hull, the side rubbing strips have been replaced by more resistant "embedded" moldings running along the entire side of the boat that subtly integrates an air suction grille in the aft area to provide ventilation in the engine room. As we ascend to the deck, we find more changes in the superstructure. The first and most significant of these features is the new front glass windshield. The glass surface is now twice as wide, giving the boat an even more sophisticated look and also filling the interiors with a "cathedral style" light. Even the side windows in the superstructure have been broadened. Though the boat has not changed much of its external appearance, in the inside, the paneling has been further reduced to make the most out of the glass surfaces. The deckhouse has been restyled and like the Velvet 100 models, instead of the usual sundeck, it now features a complete "Combo" living area, where guests can talk, have lunch or just relax under the sun. The Living zone in the main deck has been further broadened reducing the need of creating extra open-air spaces in the saloon. This is why the new Velvet 36 was conceived with an additional "sun bridge", a rather isolated private area on the hard top, in the place of the full-open roof characterizing the previous model. However, for those who are nostalgic for the traditional Tecnomar "open" boats, it is possible to install the roof instead of the sun bridge. Interiors are, as usual, left to the purchaser's discretion, who will decide upon subdivision layout and furniture, as in Tecnomar's tradition.
Technical Data:
LOA - 36 m (118.1ft)
Beam - 7.40 m
Fuel Capacity - 11100 l
Water Capacity - 2000 l
Accommodation - 4 guest cabins for 8 total berths, 3 crew cabins for 5 total berths
Engines - 2 x MTU 16V396 TE94 2920hp
Gearboxes - ZF7550 V-Drive
Speeds - 35 knots max, 32 knots cruising
Construction Material - fiberglass GRP
Certification - RINA 100 1.1.Y

www.tecnomar.com

Project: Fairline 65 Squadron

Fairline is set to add another model to the Squadron range, it's popular top line segment with the new 65 Squadron standing in the middle of the range between the 68 and 58 models. The new 65 Squadron, keeps the large yacht feeling with a stylish elegance taking a lot from the exterior design of the soon to be launched 55 model. Among the original amenities of the new model is a long central window running the full length of the sunpad on the foredeck, which not only floods the forward cabin with light, but adds a unique look to the exterior. Up top, the huge flybridge follows what has been the strong piece of recent Squadrons, with abundance of space filled with entertainment facilities and two large and luxurious sunbathing areas. A spacious single level saloon, with 2 c-shaped settees and an open plan c-shaped galley arrangement makes up the main living area of the yacht. The lower deck is all reserved for the cabins with a big dilemma for any owner whether to use the master stateroom or the forward cabin, such is the attractions of both, with their airy, light-filled atmosphere, spacious open-plan en suite layouts, floating central bed designs, massive wardrobe and storage space. The panoramic windows and sheer luxury of the full beam mid-ship master en suite may make the choice easier though. There is also a 2 singles berth starboard cabin and a double crew cabin aft, which is fitted out and finished to the same impeccable specification as the guests. The new 65 Squadron represents a true motor yacht in every sense, and a fine example of British marine engineering and craftsmanship.

www.fairline.com

New Model: Apreamare 64

The excellent partnership between Victory Design and the Apreamare boatyard has made it possible to present over the years models able to meet the needs of sailors who observe traditions and love contemporary classic designed yachts. This great enthusiasm shown for the Apreamare 60 followed up with a desire and requests from clients for a bigger model, leading to a formal and volumetric evolution of the original Sorrento gozzo into a new styling and size dimension: the Apreamare 64. The bow area of the flagship of the gozzo range features the much-appreciated U-shaped sofa, while the stern, which is this new model key point, thanks to its distinct design profile, blending perfectly with traditional hull lines. The hallmark of this craft, represented by classic round shapes, is thus enhanced in a new evolution of the aft area, which apart it's innovative design, features a relaxing sofa which can be transformed into a handy, comfortable sundeck when needed. As standard from Apreamare the most natural materials for the classic furniture are used, with a predominance of shiny and matt mahogany, added with touches of Viennese straw with mirrored, chrome plated and steel hardware. The partnership between Victory Design and Apreamare gave birth to a new jewel of 64 feet which is a sport yacht with a twist, calling traditional lines but innovative functions ready to satisfy the needs of the most demanding sailors who love a classic and sporty craft.

Technical Data:

LOA - 19.4 mts (63.8ft)

Length Waterline - 14.69 m

Beam - 5.60 m

Draft - 1.32 m (loaded)

Displacement - 32.2 t

Fuel Capacity - 3000 l

Water Capacity - 1000 l

Max Persons - 16

Engines - 2 x MAN V10 1100hp

Speed - 33.5 knots max, 29 knots cruising

Range - 300 nautical miles

Hull Type - Warped hull with spray rails 16 degrees dead rise aft

Design - Victory

Certification - CE B RINA

www.apreamare.it

Powerboat P1 - Valletta, Malta Preview

Fifth edition of the Malta Grand Prix, what has been the opener of the season in previous editions, the Powerboat P1 Malta race is now a classic of the circus. This year it is even more so thanks to the strong position of 44 Coman Yachts, a boat built locally by Chaudron Powerboats adding with the competition of Chaudron Portomaso also in Supersport class. Classic or not, this is a very delicate race for the season, seeing the superiority the 2007 winners are showing in both Evolution and Supersport Class.

In Evolution class 99 Fountian Worldwide 1st4boats.com seem unstoppable and have won all four races of the season, with a penalty for non dyno rating in the second race in Italy. Some teams are showing some potential to stop the English crewed American boat, of which 60 GFN Gibellato would be my preferred choice, followed by 10 The Fantastic 1, Cigarette boat which have also hired new talent with renowned US racer Tomlinson as part of the crew. Other potential title contenders are Kiton Outerlimits needing to resolve continuation problems along with some extra speed, with the same story for the 69 Honeyparty.com team who after sinking in testing before the season started seem to lack the pace but looks the speed is there having started a few of the races in front. The 77 Lucas Oil Skater boat, also shows good potential finishing second and third in the opening races in Italy, but the red boat needs to find that extra knot in order to be competitive for the winning.

In Supersport the 44 Conam Yachts dominion looks more big, as I see very few teams able to challenge the Maltese Italian team. 7 VoomVoom.com as second in the standings would be my first choice, followed by the Donzi 38 Baia High Performance of the OSG team which seem to be growing in confidence. 47 Buzzi Bullet who had to be the Coman Yachts menace seem to lack the right pace as yet, but if we would have some more rough weather the diesel powerboat could give a few surprises.

www.powerboatp1.com