Project: Di Donna 38 Serapo

Family Di Donna continues to upgrade it's range of fast planning traditional style Gozzo cruisers, presenting the project of the new 38 Serapo, standing between 33 and 42 model. To be available in both Open and Cabin version, the upcoming Gozzo build in South of Rome, Italy proves itself a versatile cruiser, giving strong run for the money not only to other similar traditional builds but also to same sized sports cruisers, thanks to the space provided in the 2 well sized cabins. The numbers for the 38 Serapo are also very encouraging, with the builder estimating 33 knots of top speed with 2 x 370 hp engines, and a high capacity fuel tank of 1200 litres offering a range of 10 hours before refuelling. It will be curious to see if the 38 Serapo will stay with conventional shafts or as the 42 Serapo flagship will also be available with the more efficient IPS drives. Cantieri di Donna founded in 1960 constructs the new Serapo to CE B rating, and follows the successful cross over formula offering a Gozzo with the traditional lines expected from this type of boat but added with modern hull design, and clever layout planning above and below decks.

www.cantierinavalididonna.it

New Model: Airon Marine 4300 Sport

Based on the lines of the successful 4300 T-Top Model, the new 4300 Sport is the full open version with the same hull lines, great interior space and unbeatable outside accommodation for a boat measuring just over thirteen metres in length. The interior layout follows the concept also of the T-Top offering a three double cabins or two cabin versions, with six or five berth options. The three cabins six berth option is something rare to see nowadays in this size, as most builders today focus for a more couples orientated two suites layout.  This is not the case for Airon Marine it seems with the 4300 having more a family orientated layout plan in the lower deck accommodation. As for the engines powering the new 4300 Sport it is offered with five optionss and three different propulsions; stern drives from Volvo and Mercruiser up to 370hp, Volvo IPS in 370 and 435hp, and traditional inboard shafts with Volvo and or Yanmar 480hp. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 13.50 m (44.3ft)

Length - 12.98 m

Beam - 3.80 m

Weight - 11.000 kg

Fuel Capacity - 880 l

Water Capacity - 300 l

Max Persons Onboard - twelve

Berths - six berths in three cabins, plus one berth in convertible dinette

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 330hp, D6 370hp, D6 435hp, Mercruiser 4.2 ES 320hp, Yanmar 480hp

Propulsion - Volvo DPH or Mercruiser Bravo three sterndrives, Volvo forward looking IPS pod drives, and or line shaft integrated U-drive

Certification - CE B

www.aironmarine.it

Powerboat P1 - Hammamet, Tunisia Preview

Powerboat P1 swaps Morocco for the majestic waters of Tunisia this year. Hosting the Tunisian Grand Prix of the Sea for the second time, Africa’s northernmost nation will provide a unique stop in the 2008 calendar, with the race weekend being held in the coastal resort of Hammamet. The 4th round in the North African continent will prove a vital stop before an official 2 month break for the season.

The Tunisian Grand Prix is finally here and after a hectic start of the season for the boats, this was a much wanted longer 5 weeks break from the shore crew of all teams, so it will be interesting to see if any of the teams will have upped there game to be in more challenging form to the firsts of the class. Apart all the usual P1 action, Tunisia will also add the extreme heat which is expected to hit the North African Med race course with temperatures of 4o plus degrees Celsius. Time table has also been revised for a late afternoon, early evening race. In Evolution it will be curious to see if the dominating form shown by 88 Kiton Outerlimits in Malta, was a luck of many factors or if this is the boat to beat for the 2008 season. My gut tell me it's the later one, tough more friendly waters could prove a bonus to the smaller Evolution boats like the Fountain and the Skater V-399. SuperSport Class 44 Conam Yachts seem so far unstoppable, but teams like 38 Baia High Performance say that if weather conditions prove smoother they can be a match for the Italian Maltese pairing.

The Tunisian Grand Prix will also mark the return of 11 Sunseeker Challenger in Supersport Class, after the accident in Marseilles in pre-race testing. Meanwhile 76 Italcraft Inrizzardi Evolution Class team will still be using the old Metamarine as in Malta, with the shore crew continue on updating and preparing the new alloy hulled Diesel Seatek powered Binautica, which should go for a record challenge to the Venezia Montecarlo race in the coming weeks, before racing in the next official round scheduled for Vigo in Spain.

www.powerboatp1.com

New Model: Riviera 70 Enclosed Flybridge

The renowned Australian builder Riviera, has adopted world-leading technologies to assist it's builders, engineers, cabinet-makers and electricians to develop a range of boats that are accepted and acclaimed worldwide. Now, every element of it's focus, experience, passion and achievements has come together in the Riviera 70 Enclosed Flybridge, the largest boat ever built by the company. This majestic new flagship of the proud Riviera fleet can only be described as the ultimate Riviera, a boat that will be enjoyed by a select few. The new Riviera 70 is the culmination of 27 years of dedication to the goal of building the best luxury boats in the world, equally at home in challenging seas as it is in a quiet cove or harbour. The brief was to develop a mid-range model with a definite point of difference from its competitors. Riviera also re-invents the meaning of flybridge stairs with the new starboard side internal staircase. The new flagship also includes a machinery room that deliberately separates tanks, engineering, mechanical systems and engines into distinctively separate areas of the boat, and re-defines luxury below decks. The Riviera 70 Flybridge is a superb long-range cruising boat and, unequivocally, the next step in the evolution of this concept of hull. Riviera, launched its new flagship 70 Enclosed Flybridge on the last weekend of June, preparing for its first sea trials on Queensland’s Gold Coast Broadwater. The giant boat, the largest production pleasure cruiser ever built in Australia, was trailered through the Riviera factory in Coomera before first light on Saturday and launched in front of Riviera’s new Aftermarket facility. Already Riviera has taken orders for five of the $4.75 million boats. With four cabins and four bathrooms, a massive saloon and flybridge, the Riviera 70 Enclosed Flybridge can comfortable sleep 10 people on an extended cruise.

Technical Data:

LOA - 23.37 m (76.7ft)

Length - 22.07 m

Beam - 6.32 m

Draft - 1.7 m

Weight - 41,920 kg (dry and depends engines and options)

Fuel Capacity - 8.000 l

Water Capacity - 1.000 l

Sleeping Capacity - 10 - 14

Engines - 2 x Caterpillar C32 1572 hp

Design - Frank Mulder, Riviera

www.riviera.com.au

Class 1 - Victory 1 Shines In Moscow

Mohammed Al Marri and Nadir bin Hendi produced the perfect performance to win a dramatic and incident filled Russian Grand Prix, held on Moscow’s Khimki Reservoir and in appalling conditions, maintaining the team’s perfect start to the season and defence of their World and European titles, making it three wins out of three for Victory 1.

After a red flag and an aborted first start, Victory 1’s scratch-pairing and Championship leaders’ showed their superiority and dominated the race to lead from start-to-finish and win by over a minute, to give Mohammed Al Marri – replacing the injured Arif Al Zafeen - his 11th career win and Nadir bin Hendi his third win in a row.

For Qatar 96’s Sheikh Hassan and Steve Curtis, second place was a result they desperately needed after the disappointment in Montenegro, but not the one they wanted, which now leaves them 29 points adrift of the leaders’ in fourth place. However, the outcome may well have been different if not for the coming together with Victory 7 after the restart, which left them trailing in fifth place at the end of the first lap.

Qatar 95 made it a double podium-celebration for the team, their second consecutive third place to stay ahead of the their team-mates in the title race.

For Victory 7, finishing in fourth place, there was frustration and anger, after a broken a propeller on lap seven robbed them and the team of a probable second consecutive one-two finish.

Giampaolo Montavoci and Kolbjorn Selmer maintained their reliable form to secure more points by taking their third consecutive fifth place finish. This keeps them in fifth place overall in the Championship after finishing ahead of Jotun’s unlucky Jorn Tandberg and Inge Brigt Aarbakke, who, after starting from second place on the front row, broke a propeller on lap five when running strongly in third place, which ended any hopes of a podium finish.

RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX - results

1. Victory 1 - M Al Marri (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) – 00.59.35,15

2. Qatar 96 - H Al-Thani (Qatar) / S Curtis (England) + 01.49,41

3. Qatar 95 - A Al-Sulaiti (Qatar) / M Nicolini (Italy) + 1 lap

4. Victory 7 - A Al Mehairbi (UAE / JM Sanchez (France) + 3 laps

5. Foresti & Suardi 8 - K Selmer (Norway) / G Montavoci (Italy) + 3 laps

6. Jotun 90 - IB Aarbakke (Norway) / J Tandberg (Norway) + 5 laps

7. SeveneleveN 18 - G Manuzzi (Italy) / N Giorgi (Italy) – dnf

8. Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 - S Carrasco (Spain) / D Cirilli (Spain) – dnf

9. Qatar 9 - M Al-Nassr (Qatar) / L Nicolini (Italy) – dnf

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS - after round 3 of 8

1. Victory 1 - M Al Marri (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) – 64pts

2. Victory 7 - A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / JM Sanchez (France) – 40pts

3. Qatar 95 - A Al-Sulaiti (Qatar) / M Nicolini (Italy) – 37pts

4. Qatar 96 - H Al-Thani (Qatar) / S Curtis (England) – 35pts

5. Foresti & Suardi 8 - K Selmer (Norway) / G Montavoci (Italy) – 25pts

6. Jotun 90 – IB Aarbakke (Norway) / J Tandberg (Norway) – 18pts

7. Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 - S Carrasco (Spain) / D Cirilli (Spain) – 8pts

8. SeveneleveN 18 - G Manuzzi (Italy) / N Giorgi (Italy) – 5pts

9. Negotiator 50 - B Eker (Norway) / C Parsonage (England) – 4pts

10. Qatar 9 - M Al-Nassr (Qatar) / L Nicolini (Italy)

(championship points include bonus points allocated to teams for running engines for two consecutive races - one point, per engine, per race)

www.class-1.com

Projects: Viking 82 Convertible, Viking 82 Enclosed Bridge, Viking 57 Convertible

The terrific success of the Viking 74 was a premonition of greater things to come. So it should come as no surprise that an even larger Viking Convertible is in the works and its time is near. The Viking 82 Convertible represents another ground breaking design that only Viking can produce thanks to there in-house design team. Add this invaluable expertise to the thousands of hours racked up by the tournaments winning demo program, which helps dial in the features and performance required to make this yacht a winner. And finally, factor in the skills of more than 1,400 yacht builders that constantly seek ways to build a better boat every day and ladies and gentlemen you have one simply incredible sportfishing yacht. The profile of the Viking 82 is as recognizable at the dock of a yacht club banquet as it is on the 1,000 fathom line. The aggressively raked stem, the gorgeous sheer and the symphony of soft, seamless curves are a true feast for the eyes. But the subtleties are abundant and equally exquisite. The foredeck, for example, is flush with a gentle crown, which quietly hints at the substantial headroom below in each of the four staterooms. Freeboard forward is nearly nine feet, yet a modest three feet in the cockpit, which makes it safe and effortless for the crew to release billfish unharmed. With a maximum beam of more than 21 feet, a lesser design would look chunky and clunky, but the Viking 82 wears its measurements like a runway model. This is one stunningly beautiful yacht. The substantial beam allows a salon of epic proportions with hand-finished teak joinery throughout. Entered through an electric sliding door, theL-shaped sofa with stowage below provides an excellent vantage to relax and enjoy the entertainment on the screen of the 52-inch plasma television, which rises from cabinetry on the starboard side. A dinette to port and bar stools at the granite topped galley counter to starboard create a relaxing and practical environment for formal dining, as well as grabbing snacks between marlin strikes. The galley is motoryacht class with gourmet appliances and stowage capabilities to cruise for weeks on end. A companionway to port leads to four staterooms, plus private crew quarters for two, which also includes a head with shower and access to the engineroom and cockpit. In the master suite located amidships for maximum comfort and privacy, there is a king-size bed with stowage below, a settee, a dressing table, an entertainment system, a chest of drawers and an oversized fiberglass shower stall in the head. An offset companionway leads to three additional staterooms, each with a private head and shower. Due to the generously sized staterooms, there is flexibility in the sleeping accommodations with both queen and double berth arrangements. With more than enough tournament trophies to stock a hardware store, the Viking 74 proved beyond any doubt that it could out dance a billfish with pomp and circumstance to spare. And you will fine these same elements in the cockpit of the 82 Convertible. Boasting 235 square feet of working space, the cockpit features Viking signature mezzanine deck beneath the flying bridge overhang for protection against sun and spray. Misters are available to counter tropical heat naturally. It also features built-in under-mount freezers, tackle and gear stowage, along with engineroom access. Insulated fiberglass bait wells, fish wells, and stowage wells, all with stainless-steel gas strut supports, are deep and spacious and a transom well can be set up as another live well or handy fish baling box. A walk-through transom door, port and starboard Glendinning Cablemasters, fresh and raw-water washdown systems, flush rod holders, stainless-steel hardware, side stowage lockers and a salon step box cooler briefly touch on the extensive list of standard equipment. The open flying bridge features a center helm console with power assisted hydraulic steering and electronic engine controls with trolling valves. Electronics stow neatly beneath clear acrylic panels for all-weather use and dual radio boxes provide additional room. Port and starboard bench seats conceal rod stowage below and built-in freezer and refrigeration space is standard ahead of the helm station. Three Murray Products helm seats with teak ladder backs and stainless-steel hardware and pedestals provide comfort and superb visibility. With its Palm Beach Towers custom tuna tower and magnificent Atlantic Marine Electronics package, the new Viking 82 Convertible will be fully outfitted for tournament fishing and long range cruising. The Viking 82 Convertible will be powered with MTU Series 2000 diesels affording a cruise speed of 30 knots and a top end in the mid-30 knot range depending upon engine selection, load and sea conditions. The new Viking 82 Enclosed Bridge is the more comfortable version for the 82 Convertible model, adding the extra comforts of an extra third pilot house deck. The air conditioned enclosed bridge will feature a center helm seat forward flanked by twin leather upholstered companion seats, a raised settee and teak table, wet bar with refrigerator and entertainment system. Access to the bridge is via the cockpit ladder or a spiral staircase from the salon. A control station on the aft deck eases maneuverability backing into a slip or working a fish near the boat. The new 57 Convertible will feature a robust hull with a beautiful sheer, a curvy, creamy smooth deckhouse with Viking’s new teardrop window lines and black mask windshield, a low profile wraparound flying bridge and 157 square-feet in the cockpit, including a spacious observation mezzanine. Ideally suited for tournament fishing, as well as long distance cruising, the new 57 Convertible will feature a three-stateroom, two-head layout for plenty of comfort and privacy thanks to the offset companionway, which utilizes space to its maximum efficiency. Equally inviting, the salon is plush and finely appointed with a 37-inch flat screen television and surround sound entertainment system. The starboard side galley merges practicality and fine living with Corian counter tops, abundant stowage, under counter Sub-Zero refrigeration, a microwave convection oven, and a three-burner electric cooktop. The 57 Convertible standard power is MAN V12 1360 CRM diesels. A higher performance package with twin V12 1550 CRM MANs also is available.

www.vikingyachts.com

Project: Sessa C43

For the new season, Sessa Marine presents an elegant new 43 foot boat which is sure to become a reference on the market. Calling and improving on the characteristics of its big brother the C46, highly successful in 2007, the C43 offers a perfect balance between carefully chosen design and high technology. For this project, Sessa Marine has once again entrusted the interpretation of its stylistic philosophy to the designer Christian Grande, who has signed here a first-rate concept, in the tradition of the new range developed by the site since last season. An elegant design which leaves nothing to chance: bands and stops underline the contours of the structure and reveal the strength of the hull. Inside, each detail is finely crafted to create an atmosphere which is both modern and uncluttered but also mellow and welcoming. A successful choice of materials and colours provides a play on contrasts and allows the boat’s interior to be visualised in a different manner. Sessa Marine thus reinvents marine interior design, giving each view a 3D dimension. In this spirit, the lounge and galley present a play of colours and materials which create a unique, modern atmosphere: textured leathers on black lacquered wood or walnut, as well as velvet partitions enhanced by fetching steel pieces. To retain among the strong points of the layout: a significant effort to render the boat spacious and luminous, notably thanks to the large glass openings on the side to light the owner’s cabin, and the electric Hard Top’s generous opening; entertainment accessories such as loud-speakers and holders integrated into the trim, to take full advantage of the outside space; at the heart of the cockpit, the sun lounge and well-equipped bar make for enjoyable afternoons. A seductive contemporary character for the outside trim with its tones of cream and chocolate. The C43 offers two spacious cabins, each with its own private bathroom. The VIP is fitted with a double bed which can be converted into two twin beds. This 13,20m model is available with two engine possibilities by Volvo Penta: 2 x IPS500 or the two D6 370HP. The series version is "customizable" thanks to a wide range of options such as the teak deck, the generator or the entertainment and galley layout equipment.

www.sessamarine.com

Class 1 - Moscow Russia Preview

The Russian Grand Prix, round three of the 2008 Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, marks the sport’s return to racing on Russian waters for the first time in ten years and for the first time in the country’s Capital City, Moscow, and it is a race in which the Qatar Team must finish ahead of their arch-rivals Victory if they are to keep in touch in the title race.

Dubai’s Victory Team has been simply imperious this season and holds the top two spots in the championship standings, with Victory 1 taking two wins from two starts and Victory 7’s, equally impressive in Mehairbi’s first season, grabbing two podiums. With Arif Al Zafeen still sidelined through injury, the team once again turns to former champion Mohammed Al Marri to partner Nadir Bin Hendi in Victory 1 and will be looking for this scratch-pairing to repeat their success in Budva.

Qatar 95 is 19 points shy of the leaders in third place, the leading Qatar boat and heading the team’s challenge to try to halt Victory’s charge, and whilst the team has the overall performance to do so, it will first have to stave off the challenge that they know will come from their team-mates on Qatar 96, with Curtis winning when Class 1 last raced in Russia in 1998 in St. Petersburg, who find themselves down in fourth place after missing out on a podium and struggling home in sixth place last time out after suffering engine problems.

Foresti & Suardi have produced two very solid fifth place finishes and head the middle order, and they will do well to hold onto fifth place in the championship; they know, however, that they will come under pressure from Jotun, who now seem to have found the reliability to match their obvious performance levels, and the all-Norwegian crew will be quietly confident that they can now challenge the top four. However, there is increasing speculation that Inge Brigt Aarbakke could well be drafted in to make his Class 1 debut in Moscow.

After the frustration of being forced to sit out the race in Budva, but having recently signed a new engine supply deal with Italian engine builder, SCAM, SeveneleveN will be looking to get back in the points and to repeat their top six finish from the first race in Doha, Qatar.

For the all-Spanish outfit of Domenico Cirilli and newcomer, Sergio Carrasco, making just his second start in Class 1, the target in Moscow will be to build on their solid performance from their first outing and bring Roscioli Hotels Roma home and in the points.

And whilst the competition amongst all the teams will be fierce with individual battles raging throughout the fleet, what might add spice and influence the outcome of the 24-lap, 95.63Nm Russian Grand Prix, will be the course itself, run on the Khimki Reservoir, one of eight artificial lakes forming part of the Moscow Canal system. The course described by Jean-Marc Sanchez as ‘very technical’ is very tight and narrow, the laps are short and overtaking will be limited and the importance of a good start, crucial.

The Grand Prix weekend gets underway with the first official practice session on Friday afternoon, followed by a second morning session and the Edox Pole Position on Saturday, with a final practice before Sunday afternoon’s Russian Grand Prix.

CLASS 1 WORLD POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 2 of 8

1. Victory 1 - M Al Marri (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) – 44pts

2. Victory 7 - A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / JM Sanchez (France) – 31pts

3. Qatar 95 - A Al-Sulaiti (Qatar) / M Nicolini (Italy) – 25pts

4. Qatar 96 - H Al-Thani (Qatar) / S Curtis (England) – 20pts

5. Foresti & Suardi 8 - K Selmer (Norway) / G Montavoci (Italy) – 18pts

6. Jotun 90 - B Jacobsen (Norway) / J Tandberg (Norway) – 13pts

7. SeveneleveN 18 - G Manuzzi (Italy) / N Giorgi (Italy) – 5pts

8= Negotiator 50 - B Eker (Norway) / C Parsonage (England) – 4pts

8= Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 - S Carrasco (Spain) / D Cirilli (Spain) – 4pts

White 4 - M Al-Nassr (Qatar) / L Nicolini (Italy)

Windmare Racing 21 – J Brarda (France) / tbc

EDOX POLE POSITION CHAMPIONSHIP – after round 2 of 8

1= Victory 1 - M Al Marri (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) – 35pts

1= Qatar 96 - H Al-Thani (Qatar) / S Curtis (England) – 35pts

3= Qatar 95 - A Al-Sulaiti (Qatar) / M Nicolini (Italy) – 21pts

3= Jotun 90 - B Jacobsen (Norway) / J Tandberg (Norway) – 21pts

5. Victory 7 - A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / JM Sanchez (France) – 11pts

6. Foresti & Suardi 8 - K Selmer (Norway) / G Montavoci (Italy) – 8pts

7. Negotiator 50 - B Eker (Norway) / C Parsonage (England) – 7pts

8. SeveneleveN 18 - G Manuzzi (Italy) / N Giorgi (Italy) – 6pts

9. White 4 – M Al-Nassr (Qatar) / L Nicolini (Italy) – 5pts

Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 - S Carrasco (Spain) / D Cirilli (Spain)

Windmare Racing 21 – J Brarda (France) / tbc

www.class-1.com

New Model: Horizon 75 Bandido

The second of the range for Bandido yachts of semi-custom explorer styled motor yachts, is the new 75 model introduced in the Dusseldorf boat show of 2008. The second Bandido smaller then the 90 model first introduced in 2007, will be built of a fiberglass hull with an alloy superstructure, and according to Horizon the builders it will be the only one of a 6 boat range constructed like this. All the others in the range will be steel hulled. Interior accommodation for the second addition to the Horizon Bandido range is a standard three double cabin offer, with an optional of an extra fourth cabin. The saloon is the classic layout featuring a big C-shaped settee for entertainment, a dining area forward and a separate galley. The pilot house is a raised station which features also an L-shaped dinette for the owners and his guests to enjoy the trip. Crew cabin is for a single member located aft. Off great importance is the space for the water toys with the possibility of having three personal water craft: a big tender in the garage, another toy space on the flybridge and a space for a small water craft like jet ski on the bathing platform.

Technical Data:

LOA - 23.60 m (77.4ft)

Beam - 6.60 m

Weight - 105.000 kg

Fuel Capacity - 18.000 l

Water Capacity - 3.000 l

Accommodation - 3, 4 double guest cabins, single crew cabin

Engines - 2 x MAN D2876 LE402 560hp

www.horizonyacht.com

Monthly News - June 2008

-pic of the month- Cabo 6th Kids Tournament

Beneteau Rises Turnover

French boatbuilder and leisure group Beneteau has reported a rise in turnover of 9.1 per cent on last year for the first three quarters of 2007/2008, and is in discussions for the sale of its high performance sailboat company Wauquiez International SAS. From September 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008 the group's turnover amounted to €799.9m, compared to €732.9m for the same period the year before. Boats accounted for €628.0m of the overall turnover, up from €576.1m the year before and representing over 95 per cent of the year's projected boat turnover. The rise of 9.0 per cent on 2006/2007 exceeded the projected turnover growth of 7.3 per cent. Beneteau confirmed its annual group target of €1,057.1m in turnover for 2007/2008. The group also announced that it has entered exclusive discussions with Verdoso Industry for the sale of sailboat brand Wauquiez, which represents less than one per cent of the group's boat turnover. Beneteau says that the sales of Wauquiez and its automotive brand Microcar will allow the group the concentrate on growing two new markets: motorboats from 15m-25m (50ft-82ft) and residences. The group has expressed intentions to grow the mobile home sector of its business to include residential housing. Turnover for Beneteau's mobile home activity was up 35.9 per cent on last year for the first three quarters of 2007/2008. Mobile homes accounted for 15.2 per cent of the group's business in 2006/2007, compared to 78.8 per cent represented by boats. Based on France's Atlantic coast, Beneteau has 24 production sites and employs 6,000 people. It has a presence in more than 50 countries.

Cabo Yachts to hold Sixth Annual Cabo Kids Tournament

Promoting family participation and the great adventures of sportfishing, Cabo Yachts is proud to announce the commencement of the Sixth Annual Cabo Kids Tournament. Designed for kids between the ages of five and sixteen, anglers must be fishing aboard a Cabo Yacht to be eligible for the following cash prizes and awards: Grand Prize — $2,500 Scholarship, and a rod and reel, First-Place Prize — $500, and a rod and reel (within each age category), Second-Place Prize — rod and reel (within each age category), Age categories are as follows – ages 5-8, 9-13, and 14-16. The tournament runs from May 1, through Aug. 31, 2008, and all entry forms must be received by Sept. 1, 2008. Winners will be announced in October.

Cabo New Director of Sales

Cabo Yachts, one of the world’s top builders of sportfishing boats, announced today the appointment of Don Smith as Director of Sales, effective immediately. Smith will report to Austin Rothbard the President of CABO Yachts. With more than 23 years of proven marine industry experience, he will be responsible for managing the entire Cabo Dealer Network. Prior to taking on this role, Smith was a sales manager at Cabo, covering the East coast of the United States. Before joining the company, he was the Cabo brand manager for Marine Max, Cabo’s dealer in Florida. During his six-year tenure with Marine Max, Smith earned numerous dealership achievement awards as a store manager and was responsible for the integration of Cabo Yachts into the dealership.

Itama Power Circle Goes on Tour

The Itama Power Circle is a company initiative specifically created to offer guests a full-immersion experience of the brand's timeless style, enhanced by sophisticated, sun-kissed locations that are always in perfect harmony with the distinctive sea spirit of Itama yachts. Ideal settings in which to savour the wide range of sensations that these open yachts offer their owners through their direct sea contact design. Significantly the very first Itama Power Circle was held on the magnificent island of Capri in 2006, after which it continued its elegant voyage with an edition in Venice in 2007. This year, the event celebrates its third anniversary with another spectacular surprise that sees it become nothing less than a 3-stage tour. This format aims to expand still further the glamour and magic created in the past by stopping in three splendid Mediterranean locations that are world-famous for their natural beauty and prestige. Between June and July then, the Itama team will be presenting the worldwide preview of its brand new 75 footer at the marinas of Porto Rotondo, Porto Cervo and Sitges, Barcelona. The third edition of the Itama Power Circle, an exclusive event devoted to the international press, dealers, customers and Itama enthusiasts, is therefore an ideal opportunity at which to unveil the blue and white flagship that has aroused considerable interest in both markets and sector experts ever since the first news of its launch was released. This model is an achievement the shipyard is rightfully proud of, as this craft boasts amazing performance, a new stylish profile with extraordinary technical advantages thanks to its record-breaking new carbon fibre windshield and avantop, spectacular standards of refined elegance and impeccable interior furnishings and design details. The new SeventyFive is a craft that takes Itama's class and exuberant sporting spirit to unprecedented heights, in a new and seductive interpretation of the typically sleek, streamlined style of these unique yachts. The Itama Power Circle, therefore, offers the shipyard's dealers and professional staff a concrete chance to construct a greater level of interaction between individual markets. In line with Itama's business strategy, which over the past few seasons has succeeded in steadily extending its distribution network towards new overseas contexts, this year the Itama Power Circle has a distinctly international flavour. But above all, the Itama Power Circle is a unique event specially organized by the company to offer all Itama fans the chance to really get to know the shipyard and its craft in truly spectacular settings. With its three splendid Mediterranean locations, a flagship ready to enchant the public with its extraordinary qualities, three unmistakably stylish models, and last but not least, an infinity of exclusive sensations that brand enthusiasts can take home with them, the 2008 Itama Power Circle is guaranteed to take a decisive step towards making this event the annual happening for real open yacht lovers.


Pershing and Luca Ferrari: A Passion for Speed

Luca Ferrari's love of racing is something of a family affair. It's the kind of love that begins when you're a child and then continues to grow until you just can't leave it behind. Being Alessandro and Norberto Ferretti's nephew, it is also a passion that Luca has inherited from a family that used to own an exclusive car showroom in Bologna, featuring prestigious names such as Lancia and Lamborghini. Today, racing continues to be his main hobby even if in the meantime he has become an official test pilot for Ferretti Group boats. After taking a break from racing for a few years, Luca is now ready to compete again, this time in the Carrera Cup, the prestigious Porsche motorsport championship that is organized by Porsche Italia. Motorsport, the purest expression of the Porsche identity, is a competition that no race lover would dream of missing. Something that Luca knows only too well, as this year he will be competing himself with the legendary 997 GT3 Cup, better known as the 997. Other competitors include the well-known Massimo Monti and a series of other professional and non-professional drivers, all with considerable experience at the wheel of a racing car. A number of young Formula circuit drivers will also be taking part, which will make the event thrilling, unique and a highly competitive racing, as Luca puts it. The Carrera Cup Italia is, in fact, a top level monobrand championship in which only experienced drivers battle for victory on prestigious circuits at the wheel of the Porsche 997. There are 8 meetings and two races at every meeting, making a total of 16 races per season with a single qualification session. Besides Luca, the other big star of the Carrera Cup this year will be Pershing, who have sponsored the car he is driving. For some time now, in fact, Porsche and Pershing have enjoyed a close and solid working relationship, especially during events where a passion for high speed is the name of the day! But let's return for a moment to the star of the show and establish the roots of this great love. Luca regards racing as both a hobby and a job! He has always competed in all kinds of races from go karts to racing cars and even vintage rallies. At a certain point in his life, however, he moved from the road to a new sports context, the sea. A decision that provided him with extraordinary opportunities to put himself to the test. Between 1989 and 1997 he raced in innumerable regattas, including winning the Offshore Class 1 world title in 1994 with Norberto Ferretti at his side. After a well-earned rest, Luca is now raring to compete again, this time for the Carrera Cup, which besides being GT enthusiasts' favourite event, is also another benchmark test for Luca who has never raced in GT circles before.


Princess Yachts Owership Change

L Capital 2 FCPR, an investment group sponsored by LVMH – Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and Groupe Arnault, has signed on Friday, May 30th a definitive agreement to proceed with the acquisition of Princess Yachts International, subject only to appropriate anti-trust approvals. L Capital controls over 70% of the voting rights company and has been supported by its co-investors including the Belgian investment group Cobepa. Calyon Bank provided an element of funding for the transaction. Princess Yachts International is delighted to team up with one of the leading investment funds in luxury and aspirational brands, where the strengths built over the last 40 years can be combined with a company which has a track record of growing global brands.


Sea Ray AquaPalooza Rregistration Gets Higher

It’s clear that boaters aren’t going to let these stressful economic times keep them landlocked this summer. At least that seems to be the case if early registration numbers for Sea Ray’s third annual AquaPalooza are any indication. As of the end of the day on June 8, the multi-location marine extravaganza had achieved an astounding 352-percent increase in boat registration and a 395-percent increase in guest registration over last year’s numbers. Here’s a bottom-line breakdown of the actual figures: In 2006, there were 442 boat and 1,785 guest registrations by June 8.In 2007, there were 1,048 boat and 4,732 guest registrations by June 8.In 2008, there were 4,502 boat and 22,277 guest registrations by June 8. Last summer, AquaPalooza attracted more than 10,000 boats and 30,000 guests to 120 events around the world. This year, The World’s Largest Boating Party was expecting to draw a more than 50,00 guests this year to 150 events on lakes, rivers, bays and harbors from New York to California, Egypt to Australia. Most of this year’s festivities will take place during the last two weekends in July, but other events are planned both before and after these dates. Sea Ray and its dealers will kick off AquaPalooza stateside from July 18 to 20 at the Signature Event at Coconuts at the Lake, at Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. Hosted by MarineMax Lake Ozark, MarineMax Osage Beach and MarineMax Laurie, this massive heartland jam will feature food, drinks, music, games, giveaways and much more. For those who cannot make it to Lake of the Ozarks, Sea Ray dealerships around the world will transform 150 additional locations into official AquaPalooza party sites, making it easy for boaters to get in on the action.


Sessa Marine Opens a line of Showrooms

Since April, the Italian group has been inaugurating its Italian showrooms in Taglio di Po, Tropea and Porto Cervo, Denia in Spain and La Napoule in France. Before the end of the year, four new outlets representing the Italian brand will see the day: three in Italy and one in Croatia. These past few years, Sessa Marine has worked fervently on the development of a consistent brand image, built on the sum of its communication vectors, from advertising to trade shows, including all promotion-type documents for its boats. Today, the aim is to complement this action plan by involving the franchise holders in the project, creating a Sessa Marine universe, all the way through to the outlets. The layout of the Sessa showrooms, where white and light predominate, was entrusted to the young designer from the Christian Grande brand. And these choices were not made by chance, as light, glass-panelled surfaces and mirrors are also the structural elements which constitute the personality of the new Sessa yacht range; to be revealed in 2009 with the first C65. Finally, presentation of future projects is represented by videos, with lounge music in the background, to give shape to heavenly crafts which remain, for the moment, beyond reality.

Sessa Marine President Honored Cavaliere Dell Lavoro

The President of Sessa Marine, has been honored on Saturday, the 31st of May, with the appointment of "Cavaliere del lavoro", a reward comparable to the British Order of Merit, for distinguished service in the job's world and given by the Italian President.

Sunseeker to appear in latest James Bond Film

British luxury yacht brand Sunseeker International will feature in the latest James Bond film Quantum of Solace, making its fourth consecutive appearance in the action film franchise. Five Sunseeker models have appeared in the previous three James Bond movies. Casino Royale (2006) featured the 108 Predator with appearances from the XS 2000 and Sportsfish 37; Halle Berry climbed onboard a Superhawk 48 in Die Another Day (2002); and The World is Not Enough (1999), in which a Superhawk 34 sped down London's River Thames at more than 60mph.


Wally and Hermes Joins Forces

Monaco-based boatbuilder Wally Yachts has entered into a joint venture partnership with French high-fashion house Hermès. According to the statement release, the two companies will combine their creativity and know-how to conceive and develop innovative projects in the yachting world. Hermès and Wally will closely work together in the design, development and construction of products based on state-of-the-art technologies in the nautical and luxury industries, the statement continues. The content of these projects will be unveiled during the course of 2009. Founded by Luca Bassani in 1994, Wally offers a range of high-end sail and motoryachts that are built at its WallyEurope facility in Fano, Italy. Hermès is a French high fashion house specialising in leather, lifestyle accessories, perfume and other luxury goods.