Projects: Jeanneau 50 Prestige, Jeanneau 50 Prestige S2

Jeanneau announces the project of the 50 Prestige, a new flybridge model which will be the flagship model for the high range of stylish cruisers and yachts from the French builder, designed by Italian architect Garroni. The little information so far provided by Jeanneau, announces a full beam owners cabin with big side view windows, and also of a 3 cabin 3 head layout, looks pretty spacious below for a 50 footer. Jeanneau also advices a very spacious flybridge deck, distinct saloon dining areas and a well appointed flybridge. The design picture above shows also a natural light filled interior up top in the socializing areas but also in the cabins. Power is from Volvo D9 twins at 575 hp each. Expected launch is for the 2008 Autumn boat shows, with what will be a very competitive price. The Prestige 50S2 benefits from an eye-catching new design improvement, featuring contemporary lines along the sport top and a large, integrated tender garage. This skilfully designed new styling results in even greater interior volume. With the tremendous success of the Prestige 50S, launched in 2007, Jeanneau demonstrates its capacity to evolve and to develop a very distinctive style. Luxurious details and the exceptional quality of materials onboard lend the Prestige 50S2 its exclusive signature style. Available in a two-cabin or a three-cabin layout, this new Prestige 50S2 will be presented at autumn 2008 boat shows.

www.jeanneau.com

Class 1 - Jotun Show in Arendal

Jotun’s Jorn Tandberg and Inge Brigt Aarbakke produced arguably one of the great drives in one of the most spectacular races seen in Class 1, putting their way past both Victory boats and back-markers to win tthe BMW Norwegian Grand Prix in Arendal, sending the tens-of-thousands of home supporters into a complete frenzy. Last year’s winner, Victory 7 finished second ahead of team-mates and Championship leaders, Victory 1.

Starting from second on the front row, Jotun’s all-Norwegian pairing, running in only their second race together, found themselves a place down by the end of the opening lap with both Victory boats ahead of them, with Qatar 96, the pole sitters trailing in fourth. By the end of lap six, with both Jotun and Victory 1 having taken one long-lap, they came into the start-finish turn side-by-side. Jotun had the inside-line, held their nerve, went tight in the turn and moved into second place.

Five laps later, with the leading trio having completed both mandatory long-laps, it was Victory 7 turn to feel the heat as Jotun bore down on them - again as they approached the start-finish turn - and despite a pair of back-markers in front of them, Jotun scythed their way through the traffic - at one point coming together with Victory 7 - before passing them on the outside of the turn to take the lead, going on to win the 17-lap, 96.21Nm BMW Norwegian Grand Prix by 13 seconds.

Despite a spectacular start, moving from fourth on the front row to lead at the first turn and for 11 of the 17 laps, Victory 7 had to settle for second place. Second spot for Victory 7 keeps the European title defence alive, reducing the gap to team-mates Victory 1 to 13-points with one race to go. And although their winning streak is now over, third place for Victory 1 means they still have a commanding 21-point lead in the overall title race.

For Qatar 96, despite the advantage of starting from pole position, the race was lost at the start, and the points’ gap that they had hoped to reduce between themselves and the leaders has now increased.

Qatar 95 maintained their pole status throughout, finishing fifth ahead of a solid performance by Tom-Barry-Cotter and Pal Virik Nilsen in Maritimo, who were given a wild card entry by the event organisers, and proved to be the strongest of the middle order. After a frustrating weekend beset by technical problems, Foresti & Suardi went the race distance picking up points in seventh place ahead of Roscioli Hotels Roma, who despite limited time on the water this weekend due to repairs being made to their boat, also picked up points with Carrasco gaining more valuable race experience. But there was disappointment for Qatar 9 and SeveneleveN, both retiring with technical problems.

BMW NORWEGIAN GRAND PRIX - results

1. Jotun 90 - IB Aarbakke (Norway) / J Tandberg (Norway) - 00.57.47,20

2. Victory 7 - A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / JM Sanchez (France) +00.13,30

3. Victory 1 - M Al Marri (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) + 00.22,89

4. Qatar 96 - H Al-Thani (Qatar) / S Curtis (England) + 00.26,19

5. Qatar 95 - A Al-Sulaiti (Qatar) / M Nicolini (Italy) + 01.40,78

6. Maritimo – T Barry-Cotter (Australia) / PV Nilsen (Norway) + 02.46,30

7. Foresti & Suardi 8 - K Selmer (Norway) / G Montavoci (Italy) + 1lap

8. Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 - S Carrasco (Spain) / D Cirilli (Spain) + 2laps

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

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

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS - after round 4 of 8

1. Victory 1 - M Al Marri (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) – 80pts

2. Victory 7 - A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / JM Sanchez (France) – 59pts

3= Qatar 95 - A Al-Sulaiti (Qatar) / M Nicolini (Italy) – 48pts

3= Qatar 96 - H Al-Thani (Qatar) / S Curtis (England) – 48pts

5. Jotun 90 – IB Aarbakke (Norway) / J Tandberg (Norway) – 42pts

6. Foresti & Suardi 8 - K Selmer (Norway) / G Montavoci (Italy) – 32pts

7. Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 - S Carrasco (Spain) / D Cirilli (Spain) – 12pts

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

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

9= Qatar 9 - M Al-Nassr (Qatar) / L Nicolini (Italy) – 4pts

(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: Nordhavn 120, Nordhavn 75 Expedition Yachtfisher, Nordhavn 60, Nordhavn 52

A vision of optimum design, advanced engineering and spacious, luxurious life onboard, the new Nordhavn 120 beckons those who consider the world their playground and the ocean, a home. Beautiful and sleek yet big and brawny, the N120 gracefully carries the owners and up to eight guests, indulging them with spaciousness and richness. With four decks, four king-sized guest suites and a tantalizing owners’ suite, she may rightly be considered a personal luxury ocean liner. Using only the finest hardwoods and finishes, each interior can be customized to her owners’ wishes. And Nordhavn will work closely with a client’s personal designer ensuring the exact degree of elegance desired will be satisfied. But the real beauty of the N120 is that she is built to handle the seas as well as she handles her guests. Naval Architect Jeff Leishman has made her waterline length a sweetspot in terms of wave period, and in doing so, makes long passages a very comfortable experience. Encompassing the highest degrees of talent, experience and imagination any production manufacturer can offer, the N120 represents Nordhavn’s commitment to the future while continuing to stay true to our roots. She’ll be constructed at South Coast Marine which also builds several of our smaller models. The N120 is a world-class, ABS-certified yacht destined to be the choice of a new generation of travelers expecting the best and finding their expectations exceeded.

The new luxury Nordhavn Expedition Yachtfisher can take you there on her own bottom. At 75 feet, the Nordhavn EYF will present true offshore capability and the range needed to explore, experience, dive and fish the most productive fishing grounds in the most exotic places the world has to offer. All of this, plus the same comfort and security Nordhavn owners have become accustomed to. During the past 25 years, Nordhavn has earned a reputation for designing and building highly capable seaworthy power cruisers. True to its oceangoing pedigree, the EYF has a range of up to 4,000 miles and is equipped to be self-sustaining for extended stays in remote parts of the world. Built to the highest international standards and extensively outfitted with the finest equipment, the new Nordhavn 75 EYF was created for those with a passion to explore exotic fish and dive sites on their own luxurious yacht. While an increasing number of sport fishermen are having their boats shipped long distances by yacht transport companies or having to choose charter boats in order to fulfill their passion, the EYF will allow her owners unlimited adventure in safety and complete luxury. The 75 EYF is a twin-engine, full displacement yacht that carries 5,000 gallons of fuel and 600 gallons of water. It displaces 235,000 lbs. and is designed to cruise economically at 12.5 knots with a range of 1,850 nautical miles. At its maximum cruising speed of 13.5 knots, its estimated range is 1,237 nautical miles. Top speed is an estimated 14.3 knots. One of the most popular Nordhavns to be launched, the 55 appealed to those looking for a yacht possessing the most modern conveniences and enhanced living arrangements while still maintaining superior seakeeping qualities. One of our “third generation” models in which aesthetics was given as much consideration as function, the Nordhavn 55 quickly became a market favorite. For some, however, the added height of the 55 – while a proven design plus that ensures superior stability by allowing the engine, fuel tanks and water tanks to be positioned very low – kept the look decidedly more trawler-like and slightly out of proportion. To combat this allusion, PAE’s designers simply lengthened the decks by five feet. The result is the Nordhavn 60, a very sleek-looking modern passagemaker with the same fabulous interior features and hull form that make extended cruising an absolute pleasure. Of course, because length was added without measurable increases in weight, the N60 is slightly more efficient than the 55; she'll pick up about a third of a knot in speed. Another added bonus comes from the longer deck's carrying capacity which allows for a bigger shore boat to be stored. Aside from that, the only other change to be found is the optional switch to larger porthole windows in the owner’s stateroom. Nordhavn fans appear to like the new look of the N60. After the design was first made available to Nordhavn 55 owners, eight contracts were changed to the bigger boat The Nordhavn 47 is known as being a very large 47-foot boat and now P.A.E.’s designers have actually made it bigger by extending it by five feet. The Nordhavn 52, a slight evolution of its smaller sister, is quickly gaining popularity amongst buyers who love the interior space and offshore capability of the 47 but are looking for an updated look to their boat. The new N52 differs itself from the 47 with three central design modifications, each of which combines to make a sleeker and slightly more efficient boat. The most significant of these changes is a cockpit extension, which opens up the rear of the boat as well as elongates the yacht’s lines. But the benefits of added waterline length aren’t limited simply to aesthetics. The design team was able to work an extra (approximate) 200 gallons of fuel into the capacity of the boat’s tanks and in turn, bump up the range. To coincide with the elongated cockpit, the upper level boat deck was lengthened by two feet, a move that serves a dual purpose: not only does this offset the cockpit extension, it enables a bigger tender to be carried on top. Completing the enhanced look is the re-configuration of the flybridge. A purely cosmetic change (no features have been added or altered), the newly-styled flybridge is now more integral with the boat deck and pilothouse roof. Despite these differences, the N52 is exactly like the 47, and the rest of the Nordhavn line, in her robust construction, superior level of fit and finish, and an ability to deliver her owners anywhere they wish to travel in safety, comfort and luxury.

www.nordhavn.com

New Model: Riviera 38 Open Flybridge

More then any other style of boat, Riviera is famous for its Flybridge models. All the knowledge and skill acquired over more than a quarter of a century is to be found in this exciting new model the 38 Open Flybridge. The lessons learned in this Aussie builder long history are evident, proving that this is not just another ‘Open Flybridge’, it is a fresh expression of commitment to make a safe boating experience. From the creative use of space to the to the implementation of the latest equipment and systems technology, every facet of the 38 Open Flybridge has been subject to the most rigorous consideration. The interior accommodation is a two cabin plan with the master stateroom forward featuring a spacious island bed and the individual guest cabin with two pullman-style bunk berths located to starboard. The interior also wins well with its appointed well equipped galley, the spacious saloon and newly designed ergonomic helm station. The new 38 Open Flybridge continues Riviera commitment to build vessels inspiring confidence and delivering a maximum standard.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.09 m (42.9ft)
Length - 11.99 m
Beam - 4.23 m
Draft - 1.05 m
Weight - 10.900 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 1450 l
Water Capacity - 460 l
Accommodation - 4/6 berths
Engines - 2 x Volvo 370hp
Design - Frank Mulder, Riviera

www.riviera.com.au

Project: Mochi 23 Long Range

Ferretti Group with it's Mochi Craft brand challenges the nautical world with this new project, the 23 Long Range zero emission hybrid propulsion explorer yacht, and the new FER.WAY hull, an innovative special hull designed by the Ferretti Engineering department for maximum efficiency at the range of 10 to 15 knots. The 23 Long Range is a revolutionary three deck motor yacht and with it Mochi Craft rewrites the history of the international nautical sector. Driven by the passion of Norberto Ferretti and made possible by the years of research carried out by Ferretti’s AYT Advanced Yacht Technology division, led by Andrea Frabetti, in collaboration with the Studio Zuccon International Project the new 75 feet Long Range embodies an unprecedented distillation of innovation and technology. Conceived for lovers of long-distance cruising and extended voyages, the Long Range 23 is the first craft to obtain the RINA “Green Star Clean Energy and Clean Propulsion” certification, the most rigorous certification standard that can be applied to a pleasure craft. After creating the Italian Lobster Boat Style with the Dolphin line launched in 2003, Mochi Craft now enters the Explorer Yacht market with two new solutions that open up new horizons in the international nautical panorama. First is the revolutionary Zero Emission Mode hybrid propulsion system. The new hybrid propulsion system allows the craft to be managed in 5 different ways, easily controlled through a touch-screen display ranging from the traditional diesel function to the zero emissions mode, using different combinations of diesel engine, electric engine, inverter, batteries and generator. The 23 Long Range features the most cutting edge technology now on the market, offering owners the opportunity to select the propulsion mode that best reflects the needs of the moment – sailing in unpolluted areas with total respect for the environment, lying at mooring with zero emissions while accessing all the boat’s electrical facilities or entering and leaving port in absolute silence while creating no smoky exhaust emissions. The other noveltly is the new FER.WEY (Ferretti Wave Efficient Yacht) trans-planing hull ensuring high hydrodynamic efficiency than other planing or displacement hulls, thanks to the innovative design of the depth surface, permitting the boat to avoid adopting the usual stern-down attitude when speed is increased. The new FER.WEY hull also reduces the typical roll experienced by displacement hulls and improves static stability by up to 50%. Its special design, with longitudinal tunnels protecting the props and a horizontal base on the bow bulb, allows the boat to rest on sandy bottoms and stay moored in locations subject to tides. The two technologies the hybrid propulsion system and trans-planing hull, combine and reinforce each other in a craft that offers a revolutionary design concept and solutions. The 23 Long Range is designed for spending long periods at sea in maximum comfort and total safety, backed by exceptional environmental awareness, the perfect mix of avant garde technology and Made in Italy design. The external lines are a synthesis of the Nordic work boat tradition and refined Made in Italy taste that Mochi Craft has skilfully expressed since 2003. In the interiors, the choice of prized materials, warm woods like teak and oak, natural fabrics and cutting edge design solutions redefine the concept of on board luxury and quality of life in the “expedition boat” market. The new 23 Long Range will be offered in a 3 or 4 cabin version with a 2 berth crew cabin aft and an optional captains cabin on top of the fly bridge by the wheelhouse. As for the performance, the new 23 Long Range offers the new innovative FER.WEY hull, which already offers great stability, but complemented by the Mitsubishi ARG, Anti Rolling Gyro System, which is worldwide exclusive to Ferretti which cuts roll caused by wave motion at anchor or under way by up to 50%, and stabilising fins, both mounted as standard. The 23 Long Range 23 is powered by twin MAN Common Rail power options, a 500hp and an 800hp version. Mochi is estimating cruising speeds of 13.5 knots and top speed of 16 knots, for the 800hp version.

www.mochicraft-yacht.com

Bruno Abbate 1951 - 2008

PowerYacht gives the blessings to World renowned boat builder Bruno Abbate who yesterday 16th July in a Milan hospital left us for the better World. Bruno Abbate 57 year old was son of Guido Abbate a renowned wooden boat builder from lake Como Italy. The Abbate boat building tradition goes back to 1873 when Giuseppe Abbate, grand father to Bruno started building fishing and carrier boats on Lake Como. In 1930 Guido Abbate, the father of Bruno mounted the first engine on a flat bottom boat, which started the Abbate fame for fast boats. Bruno Abbate founded his own yard in 1978, which started the change in the family to fiberglass construction. In 1987 with the CUV Primatist powered with triple Isotta Fraschini of 900 hp each, Bruno won the European Class 1 Championship, along with this the mono hull carried on winning the Italian and Mediterranean titles for the same year.

Class 1 - Norway Arendal Preview

A win for Victory 1 in this weekend’s BMW Norwegian Grand Prix in Arendal, round four of the class 1 World Powerboat Championship, would secure the Dubai pairing their first European Championship title and a sixth for the Victory Team.

The Victory Team has an impressive record in Arendal winning six out of the 11 races held since 1994 and with Victory 1 unbeaten this season, on present form, appear to be unstoppable, and with a 24-point advantage over their team-mates in Victory 7, they look all set to add their names to the trophy. However, should Victory 7 take the win, the battle for the European crown will go down to the wire and be decided in the Romanian Grand Prix in Constanta-Mamaia in August.

For the Qatar Team, it seems that whatever they do, Victory can match or better it, lying in third place in Qatar 95 and Qatar 96 in fourth, know that they will have to produce something extraordinary from somewhere, or else hope that the Championship leaders have a problem if they are to reduce the points gap in the title race. But Norwegian waters have, in the past, proved a successful hunting ground for the Qatar Team winning in Oslo in 2004 and Trondheim in 2005, and with Curtis a six-times winner in Norway winning in Arendal in 2001 this could be the weekend that Qatar ends Victory’s winning streak.

Proving to be one of the most solid and reliable outfits this season is that of the Italian team, Foresti & Suardi, who have carved out three well-earned fifth place finishes and in fifth spot, are currently the highest-placed European team. But Norwegian hopes for a repeat ‘home win’ last enjoyed in 2006 by what is a fervently partisan following in Arendal rest firmly on the shoulders of Jotun, which showed real pace in Moscow going second quickest in qualifying and but for a broken propeller, would certainly have challenged the front runners and have upped the stakes to be real podium challengers.

Roscioli Hotels Roma faced a race against time to repair their boat and be ready to start this weekend, after a harrowing moment during the last race, when they lost control as their steering broke coming off their long-lap and, unable to steer, they hit the dock, damaging the front left sponson.

Giorgi Offshore will be desperate to get SeveneleveN back in the points after two frustrating races. After a solid performance in qualifying in Moscow, an engine problem during the race with SeveneleveN running in fifth place ended what looked like being their best performance of the season. The new Nicolini-designed and built race boat, Qatar 9, will get only its second outing in Arendal, hoping for better luck than in Moscow, where a broken propeller cut short their race on lap one, after they had impressed during all practice sessions and in qualifying on their debut in Moscow.

This weekend also sees the return to Class 1 action for Tom Barry-Cotter and Pal Virik Nilsen, given a wild card entry by the Championship Organisers. Last season’s youngest pairing who this year lifted the Australian Offshore Superboat Championship, winning four out of six races will step back into the Mercury Class 1 powered Tencara they raced last year, and run under the colours of Maritimo Offshore.

For all the teams the biggest challenge of the weekend will be to master the demanding 5.65Nm circuit run on Tromoysund and Galtesund fjords, with its fast sweeping turns, narrow straights lined with rocky outcrops and islands, providing a stern test of the pilot’s skill and nerve over the 17 lap, 96.70Nm race.

CLASS 1 WORLD POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP - 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

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

CLASS 1 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 2 of 4

1. Victory 1 - 40pts

2=Victory 7 - 24pts

2=Qatar 95 - 24pts

4. Qatar 96 - 20pts

5=Jotun 90 - 14pts

5=Foresti & Suardi 8 - 14pts

7. Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 - 4pts

SeveneleveN 18

Negotiator 50

Qatar 9

EDOX POLE POSITION CHAMPIONSHIP – after round 3 of 8

1. Victory 1 - 55pts

2. Qatar 96 - 47pts

3. Jotun 90 - 36pts

4. Qatar 95 - 28pts

5. Victory 7 - 20pts

6. Foresti & Suardi 8 - 11pts

7. SeveneleveN 18 - 10pts

8. Negotiator 50 - 7pts

9=White 4 - 5pts

9=Qatar 9 - 5pts

11. Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 - 2pts

www.class-1.com

New Model: Beneteau 32 Monte Carlo Hard Top

Beneteau continues to upgrade its Monte Carlo range of fast modern sports cruisers and in this case enriching the model to a more alternative customer base. The new Hard Top version of the 32 Monte Carlo, aims at growing a wider audience and making this craft an all weather fast sports cruiser, being sun or rain. All the other features of the 32 Monte Carlo are still there, so if the hard top was the only item missing for the purchase, Beneteau and designer Andreani made sure to put it so as to convince you. As for the technical features of the Monte Carlo range are all here of which is the most important efficient Beneteau patented air step technology.

Technical Data:

LOA - 10.05 m (32.9ft)

Length Hull - 9.31 m

Beam - 3.30 m

Draft - 1.10 m

Displacement - 5380 kg light

Fuel Capacity - 490 l

Water Capacity - 160 l

Engines - 2 x Volvo GI 270hp Petrol, D4 190hp Diesel

Propulsion - Stern Drive

Designer - P.Andreani, Beneteau

Certification - EC B8 C8

www.beneteau.com

Powerboat P1 - Tunisia Gran Prix, GFN Gibellato Conam Yachts Win

It was another difficult weekend for the P1 teams, what was called a tough and fit only challenge from the crews, with the med sea showing for another time this year his dark side. Tunisia proved a big challenge for all teams, with issues like high temperature, big swell seas and attrition all playing a big part in the difficulties for the boats and there crews. The Sunday Evolution team race with only 3 boats finishing the race was just testimony to all the problems the boats faced. Now it will be a longish 2 month break for the championship with a teaser in between for the classic Cowes Torquay Cowes race, which the P1 Management is promoting.

Evolution

The 60 GFN Gibellato crew continued their impressive 2008 form in this weekend’s Tunisian Grand Prix of the Sea Evolution Endurance race. The Italian crew pipped the 88 Kiton Outerlimits and 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com entries in a dramatic race of incidents and attrition that proved a real test for the stamina of both boats and crews. With 40C temperatures on the shore, and probably 50C+ temperatures in the closed canopy Evolution cockpits, the battle for the lead in the early stages of the event was a fierce four-way duel between the 10 Fantastic 1 Cigarette boat, the 69 Honeyparty.com boat, and the 77 Lucas Oil team. Closing fast on this mix were the reigning champion and current class-leading 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com team, but just as the British-based squad seemed like they were about to do their usual job of emerging ahead of the pack, they yo-yoed from fourth to first, and back to fourth again after a dramatic first corner spin. Things weren’t any easier for the leading pack as one-by-one the 10 Fantastic 1 Cigarette boat, the 69 Honeyparty.com boat and the 77 Lucas Oil team dropped by the wayside with mechanic problems, many of which were related to the intense heat. Going into the closing laps, the 60 GFN Gibellato team emerged from the gaggle leading the 88 Kiton Outerlimits boat, the 99 Fountain Worldwide boat and the sole remaining survivor, the 53 Pignolo 53 entry. If such tough conditions and unpredictable results continue for the Sprint race, we could well have some significant changes at the top of the Evolution class points standings.

The Evolution Sprint race round of the Tunisian Grand Prix of the Sea proved as much of a test of stamina of man and machine as Saturday’s Endurance race, with the 10 Fantastic 1 Cigarette Racing Team Europe squad, the 76 Italcraft boat and the 88 Kiton Outerlimits emerging the top-three survivors from an attrition-marked race. The first few laps provided some of the closest racing of the season so far as the 10 Fantastic 1, the 60 GFN Gibellato, the 88 Kiton Outerlimits and the 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com crews battled fiercely for position. By the end of the first lap, though the 99 Fountain Worldwide crew were slowing with broken steering, and the 60 GFN Gibellato boat was surging ahead into a dominant lead. As the 88 Kiton Outerlimits boat slowed with an engine problem, the four-way battle turned into a two-way scrap that in the closing laps soon became a solo performance as the 60 GFN Gibellato boat followed the lead of the midfield runners and crawled to a halt. That put the 10 Fantastic 1 boat back ahead, with the US-backed Italian-run team scoring their first Powerboat P1 victory on a weekend when regular throttleman Lino Di Biase was replaced with Class 1 racer Matteo Nicolini. The only joy for the 60 GFN Gibellato team was that the high rate of attrition meant they were able to score third place, and secure the overall Tunisian Grand Prix of the Sea honours from the 10 Fantastic 1 boat and Max Ferrari’s 53 Pignolo53 entry.

Supersport

The reigning champion 44 Conam Yachts team took their sixth win of the 2008 Powerboat P1 season in Saturday’s Tunisian Grand Prix of the Sea Endurance race, but the Italian-based outfit was nearly beaten on the track for the first time this year. The 07 VoomVoom.com boat took the initial lead on the run through the first corner, they were passed on the back straight by the 59 Saho Offshore Ranas boat. The twin-canopy boat then powered into a comfortable lead that they held for the first half of the race. On lap seven, though, the 59 Saho boat fell off plane on the far side of the course, and despite a concerted effort to restart the race, they were forced to pull into the harbour. That gave the lead back to the 44 Conam Yachts crew, who had quickly worked their way past the 07 VoomVoom.com boat and chased 59 Saho as they opened up a clear gap over 07 VoomVoom.com and the rest of the field. Ultimately, the 07 VoomVoom.com crew took second, but it was a close run thing. The 38 Baia High Performance mechanics had worked all through the night to make their Donzi hull seaworthy after it was inadvertently dropped on the dock while being craned out of the wet pits on Friday afternoon. After just making the start of the race, they powered their way through the field to a well-deserved podium finish. The 05 Team Tullio Abbate Wild Card entry, the 22 Big Sergio Al & Al boat and the 11 Team Sunseeker crew rounded out the top six finishers. There was disappointment for the 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet crew as they were forced to miss the race after suffering a seized engine in final practice, while the 08 Phoenix TV and the 46 Spirit of Portomaso boats retired.

The SuperSport title-leading 44 Conam Yachts crew took their seventh win of the year in the Tunisian Grand Prix of the Sea Sprint race, securing overall Grand Prix of the Sea honours at the same time. The double win allied to their 50-point bonus for completing the first half of the year without an engine change gives them a 190 point advantage in the championship points table. The 07 VoomVoom.com squad currently 44 Conam Yachts closest challenges were the only team to stay within touching distance of the Italian reigning champions at the start of the race, but Tedeschi and Ciantar once again quickly pulled out a comfortable lead that proved impossible to beat. A second second place of the weekend for the 07 VoomVoom.com squad gave them runner-up spoils in the Grand Prix of the Sea trophy chase. 08 Phoenix TV took the final podium spoils of the Sprint race, while fourth place was a superb result for the returning 11 Team Sunseeker. After a two-race sabbatical following the sinking of their boat in Marseilles, France, this was a fantastic comeback weekend by the British squad. The 05 Team Tullio Abbate Wild Card entry edged the 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet boat and the 22 Big Sergio crew in the final race finishers to take the final Grand Prix of the Sea podium spot. It was double jeopardy for the Donzi crews, though, as the 38 Baia High Performance OSG team failed to complete the first lap and the 59 Saho boat failed to start with a transmission problem.

Evolution Class Sprint Results

1 10 The Fantastic 1 46m38.77s

2 76 Italcraft 48m59.84s

3 60 GFN Gibellato 57m16.46s

4 66 Cranefields Wine 49m38.35s - 2 laps

5 53 Pignolo 53 1h00m32.32s - 2 laps

6 88 Kiton Outerlimits 52m25.54s - 3 laps

7 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com RET

8 57 Centaurian Yachts RET

9 77 Lucas Oil RET

10 69 honeyparty.com DNS

Evolution Class Endurance Results

1 60 GFN Gibellato

2 88 Kiton Outerlimits

3 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com

4 53 Pignolo 53 - 1 lap

5 77 Lucas Oil RET

6 69 honeyparty.com RET

7 10 The Fantastic 1 RET

8 66 Cranefields Wine RET

9 76 Italcraft RET

10 57 Centaurian Yachts RET

SuperSport Class Sprint Results

1 44 Conam Yachts 45m36.53s

2 07 VoomVoom.com 47m10.20s

3 08 Phoenix TV 48m24.84

4 11 Sunseeker Challenger 48m25.05s

5 05 Special Team Guido Abbate 49m52.34s

6 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet 51m05.99s

7 22 The Big Sergio 48m15.15s - 1 lap

8 38 Baia High Performance RET

9 46 The Spirit of Portomaso DNS

10 59 Saho DNS

SuperSport Class Endurance Results
1 44 Conam Yachts 1h13m43.57s
2 07 VoomVoom.com 1h15m14.96s
3 38 Baia High Performance 1h15m16.28s
4 05 Special Team Guido Abbate 1h18m31.20s
5 11 Sunseeker Challenger 1h17m22.23s - 1 lap
6 22 The Big Sergio 1h117m47.80s - 1 lap + 4 min penalty
7 59 Saho RET
8 08 Phoenix TV RET
9 46 The Spirit of Portomaso RET
10 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet DNS

www.powerboatp1.com

Projects: Sunseeker 92 Predator Sport, Sunseeker 30 Metre Yacht, Sunseeker 130 Predator

The project for this big 92 Predator Sport model, follows the new turnaround of putting a small sport coupe style helm on top of the hardtop. As usual for Sunseeker the new Predator Sport will have a vast choice of drive systems, like conventional shafts, surface drives and more exhilarating jets. Standard interior accommodation is a four guest stateroom all en-suite cabins, and crew quarters for four members. The new 30 Metre Yacht model project, replaces a huge success for Sunseeker that was the 105 Yacht model. Accommodation for this new model is for up to eight guests, and crew quarters are for four members. The 30 Metre Yacht model will stand in the middle of the Yachts range of big flybridge yachts from the renowned British builder, entering into important super yacht territory. When this project will be launched it will be Sunseekers bigger launch to date at a length of over 38 metres, beating the current 37 Metre Trideck Yacht by just 1 metre. Its good to see that the British builder still puts fast sports orientated models as it did in the past. Sunseeker is promising great performance for the new flagship of all the marquee and the performance yachts range. Standard accommodation is for ten people, with crew quarters for eight members.

www.sunseeker.com