Powerboat P1 - Portugal Grand Prix, Fountain World Wide Claim Title Again

Rain may have brought an early end to proceedings in this weekend’s Portuguese Grand Prix of the Sea, but nobody could damped the spirits of this year’s Evolution and SuperSport title winners as they were officially crowned and awarded with their championship trophies at the final podium ceremony of the season. Throttleman Angelo Tedeschi and pilot Aaron Ciantar have brought new meaning to the word ‘dominance’ in the SuperSport class, taking victory in all but one race in their Racing Project-run 44 Conam Yachts boat. The Mercury-powered Chaudron hull has proved unbeatable and unbreakable in the production-based series, and Tedeschi’s second title and Ciantar’s first are undoubtedly well deserved – especially with a astounding points tally of 1150 points. The 07 Microlink PC VoomVoom.com team were confirmed as the second-place championship finishers, narrowly pipping the 38 Baia High Performance team with a tally of 670 points to the Italian outfit’s 650 points. The increased competition in the Evolution class this year meant that pilot James Sheppard and throttleman Craig Wilson were set for a tough job to defend their title from an astonishing rookie season in 2007, but no-one predicted just how hard they’d have to work. After four wins in the first two events of the year, they’ve had to fight to maintain their points lead as they bid to retain their crown in the Imor-powered 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com entry. But, fight they did and third place in yesterday’s Portuguese Grand Prix of the Sea means they’re the first team to successfully score back-to-back Evolution class titles with a grand total of 780 points. The 60 GFN Gibellato team have been confirmed as second-place finishers in the championship chase with 630 points to 88 Kiton Outerlimits’ 580 points. The bronze and cherry-wood sculptures that both teams were awarded at the ceremony are the work of celebrated Italian artist Andreas Perathoner, whose sculptures feature in a number of private collections throughout Europe. Perathoner has also created trophies for a variety of other sports, including the Superbike motorcycle world championship. Each trophy consists of two pieces: an elegant bronze powerboat and a cherry-wood base carved to represent the sea. Perathoner sculpted the original boat designs in wood, which were then sent to a leading Italian foundry in Bologna, where they were cast in bronze. After the champions were awarded their trophies, all the teams in both the SuperSport and Evolution classes – who are the true lifeblood of the championship were invited onto the stage to join the festivities. Then the end-of-season celebrations could really begin!

Evolution Class Sprint Results
1 88 Kiton Outerlimits 54m14.28s
2 10 The Fantastic 1 56m15.02s
3 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com 56m35.52s
4 60 GFN Gibellato 58m59.55s
5 66 Cranefields Wine 58m35.05s - 1 lap
6 57 Centaurian Yachts 57m37.78s - 2 laps
7 53 Pignolo 53 56m49.89s - 3 laps
8 77 Lucas Oil RET
9 76 Italcraft RET
10 69 honeyparty.com RET

SuperSport Class Sprint Results
1 44 Conam Yachts 47m25.08s
2 38 Baia High Performance 47m37.97s
3 07 Microlink PC 47m43.56s
4 26 Team Konrad 48m03.25s - 1 lap
5 46 The Spirit of Portomaso 48m46.66s - 1 lap
6 17 Going Lean 47m31.12s - 2 laps
7 08 Phoenix TV 47m31.12s - 2 laps
8 22 The Big Sergio RET
9 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet DNS

2008 Final Standings

SuperSport Championship
1 44 CONAM Yachts, 1150 pts

2 07 MicroLink PC, 670 pts

3 38 Baia High Performance, 650 pts

4 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet, 310 pts

5 08 Phoenix 8, 210 pts

6 46 The Spirit of Portomaso, 200 pts

7 22 Big Sergio, 200 pts

8 11 Sunseeker Challenge, 170 pts

9 59 SAHO, 140 pts
Evolution Championship
1 99 Fountain Worlwide, 780 pts

2 60 NSG Gibellato, 630 pts

3 88 Kiton Outerlimits, 580 pts

4 53 Pignollo 53, 480 pts

5 10 Fantastic 1, 440 pts

6 77 Lucas Oil , 270 pts

7 66 Cranefield Wine, 270 pts

8 57 Centaurian Yachts, 260 pts

9 69 Honeyparty.com, 220 pts

10 76 Italcraft, 110 pts

www.powerboatp1.com

Project: Carnvevali 180

The Carnevali line of stylish flybridge cruisers, welcomes the addition of the new 180 motor yacht filling the gap in the line between the 160 and 68 models. The project of the new Carnevali has been trusted again to architect Ceccarelli, who designed a modern looking stylish flybridge yacht to the Italian builder. Ceccarelli and Carnevali presents us with an 18 metre motor yacht with an aggressive sporty profile for the upper coach roof, wide side decks for a safe passage way forward and a deep vee shaped variable geometry bottom for comfortable navigation comfort in rough sea conditions. Another area of high importance for the builder in this new project was it's weight distribution, with the location of the engines and fuel tanks in a central position, guaranteeing perfect balance with full or light loaded tanks. Accommodation is a 3 double cabin interior, with all cabins featuring there own private head. While Carnevali says the new 180 can be single handled a double fully equipped crew cabin is located aft.

www.carnevaliyachts.com

New Model: Cantieri di Pisa 108 Akhir

The new Akhir 108, as the other upcoming new models in the new range from this legendary motor yacht builder, has been reinterpreted by architect Carlo Galeazzi, who worked his way developing the historical Cantieri Di Pisa lines, as designed thirty years ago by designer Pierluigi Spadolini. The new redeveloped Akhir line is born with the combination of tradition joining force with technological and design innovation. The interiors are realized by the interior studio of the same shipyard. Carlo Paladini and his team have realized an elegant decoration, which play with warm tone colors and natural teak. The 8 guest berths are located in 4 separate cabins positioned in the lower deck. 2 cabins with sister berths, 1 VIP cabin and 1 full beam master stateroom. On the main deck there is the owners office, with a private head, which can be transformed in a fifth cabin to welcome additional guests. Of particular note is the high quality of the 18 rectangular port holes, which deliver natural light to all the cabins. The new 108 Aknir has a top speed of 29 knots, while an economic long range cruising speed of 12 knots gives a range of 1510 nautical miles.

Technical Data:

LOA - 32.96 m (108ft)

Beam - 7.15 m

Draft - 1.27 m (under keel)

Displacement - 113 t

Fuel Capacity - 16500 l

Water Capacity - 3000 l

Engines - 2 x MTU 16V2000M93

Speed - max 29 knots

Range - 1510 nautical miles at 12 knots

Certification - ABS A1 Yachting service AMS

www.cantieridipisa.com

New Model: Sunseeker 84 Predator

Surprising all in the yachting biz, it's brand fans and passionate friends, Sunseeker gave a surprise preview during the Southampton Boat Show of the new 84 Predator, literally just a few days after announcing this project on it's website. This new twenty six metre over all length model, joins the successful Predator range, following where the new just launched 92 Sport left, with a similar concept in design and features but in a slightly smaller length. In fact as the 92 Predator Sport the new 84 Predator features the demanded upper sport deck, with the optional second helm station available for those who want a head in the air driving experience. The new 84 Predator is also considerably larger on the waterline length and beam to the 82 Predator it will eventually replace, allowing for a spaciously greater 4 double cabin interior volume, with a mid ship crew quarters allowing for 3 berths. Performance for the new 84 Predator does not disappoint the speed lover, with top speeds of 42 knots reachable with Arneson Surface Drives and double engines totalling 4868 hp.

Technical Data:

LOA - 26.48 m (86.9ft)

Length Waterline - 19.86 m

Beam - 6.34 m

Draft - 1.70 m full load and includes props

Displacement - 59700 kg half load

Fuel Capacity - 7500 l

Water Capacity - 1200 l

Engines - twins 4868 hp total

Propulsion - shaft drive in tunnels, Arneson Surface Drives

Speeds - max 42 knots, cruising 30 knots surface drives version

Range - 300 nautical miles

Design - Don Shead, Sunseeker

www.sunseeker.com

New Model: Menorquin 100 GT Largo

The Menorquin shipyard stands out in the runabout market with the launch of Largo, a new product range with the objective of uniting emotions, technology and performance. This new boat, was presented during the Cannes Boat Show, a product line based on the classic runabouts, whilst maintaining the quality and performance characteristic to the Menorcan builder. Menorquin’s new design project has been inaugurated with the first model the Largo 100 GT. As well as the exterior elegant sports design which makes it especially suited for day trips the new 100 GT Largo also incorporates inside habitability featuring 2 over night berths, a characteristic feature of the shipyards traditional cruisers line. The Largo range couples technology and exclusivity necessary to create a unique and timeless boat, which joined with the shipyard’s pure passion for sailing has been the drive behind the design of this new boat. Powered by twin Yanmar Diesels the 100 GT Largo has top speeds of 48 knots, while a more powerful twin 420 hp Mercruiser can give up to 54 knots maximum. The new Menorquin 100 GT Largo competes in a difficult market sector, but will stand out for its practical functionality and great habitability, features that are characteristic of the renowned Spanish brand.

Technical Data:

LOA - 10.03 m (32.9ft)

Beam - 2.73 m

Draft - 0.85 m

Displacement - 4200 kg

Fuel Capacity - 600 l

Water Capacity - 90 l

Max Persons - 12

Accommodation - 2 berths

Engines - 2 x Mercruiser 8.1S HO 420hp Petrol, Yanmar 6LPA-STP 315hp Diesel

Speed - 36 knots cruising, 48 knots max with Yanmar Diesels

Certification - CE B

www.menorquin.com

New Model: Atlantis 54

Atlantis announced this project a few days ago, and as promised by the Tuscany builder, launching of the new 54 model was not much of a waiting for. The new Atlantis 54 is developed on the 50 model hull lines, with main differences being the increase in the cockpit space now featuring over ten squared metres of main deck all in a flush one level area, and adding aft a retractable high and low extended bathing platform for tender stowage. The World wide presentation of the new Atlantis 54 was in the Cannes Boat Show and second premier happened in Malta during the Azimut Benetti Gala and the second edition of the Valletta boat show. Inside accommodation of the new Atlantis 54 is a spacious affair, with three high volume cabins, well spaced heads, l-shaped saloon and a galley. Worth noting is the engine room which is also of generous space and well laid out. The new Atlantis 54 will capture the attention for those looking the most spacious and natural light filled exterior, and a spacious main deck for an open hard top of sixteen metres in length.

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.68 m (54.7ft)

Beam - 4.5 m

Fuel Capacity - 1900 l

Water Capacity - 500 l

Berths - six berths in three cabins

Max People - fourteen

Engines - 2 x Volvo Penta D12-800 775hp

Propulsion - line shafts

Certification - CE B

www.azimutyachts.com

Powerboat P1 - Portimao, Portugal Preview

The final way point of the 2008 Powerboat P1 championship, follows the 2007 schedule in Portimao, Portugal. This was an unannounced ending to the championship, replacing the final race of Bahrain, as of from August when P1 management advised the cancellation to the Gulf stop, moving it to 2009. An unhappy move especially to the teams still fighting for the championship.

In Supersport Class the title is already decided by 2007 winner 44 Conam Yachts, what will be the usual unstoppable run from the Italian Maltese team, but fighting will for sure be seen in the battle for second place between 7 Microlink PC and 38 Baia High Performance lying in third.

In the prime Evolution class, the title is still undecided, with 2007 winners Fountain World Wide being a second away for repeating there success, with the Italians of 88 Kiton Outerlimits and 60 GFN Gibellato for sure trying to spoil the party for the English USA boat. Surprise for the title contenders can come from 53 Pignolo lying in fourth place, with a big chance of stealing a third and if lucky even a second place in the final run. Another announced change of script in the Evolution race are the pending appeals of 10 Fantastic 1 regarding last race in Vigo and 60 GFN Gibellato race in Marseilles, France, which can affect the title closing dramatically.

Racing in 2008 has been fantastic, but from here we send the message that the P1 organisation machine can improve. The thinking of the 2008 season is that the first six races starting in a 6 week period effected dramatically the outcome of the championship favoring the teams with the older boats. The Bahrain cancellation also shortened the title fight, especially in the Evolution Class where the contenders mainly 60 GFN Gibellato and 88 Kiton Outerlimits where showing there best after the race in Malta. The racing was nice and fast, but the title winning which in P1 tradition has always been decided in the final run was a bit less enthusiastic compared to previous years, so from here we hope for a longer, more viewable challenge and better competition for the 2009 season.

www.powerboatp1.com

New Model: Maritimo C 60 Sports Cabriolet

The new Maritimo C 60 Sports Cabriolet was unveiled during the recent Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Maritimo revealed a classically European styled sports cruiser, creating an unprecedented interest for a company which had built its reputation with flying bridge cruisers, the C60 Sports Cabriolet represents a radical change in direction for the Aussie yard. Innovative and very different, the stylish sports yacht does have something in common with its flying bridge colleagues; it is also a luxury long-range motor yacht, capable of superb performance while offering its owner and guests total comfort and luxury aboard. Clever design has produced a vessel with so much space aboard, that it astonishes you with it's sixty feet length, featuring an unusual four staterooms layout providing sleeping accommodation for eight and including a spacious full beam master cabin. The luxurious accommodation continues on the main deck with the magnificent saloon, well equipped galley and a starboard side helm with dual aircraft-style seating are the notable features of the boats interior plan. Aft, a hydraulically raised transom reveals a garage able to accommodate a three metre tender, while below in a beautifully planned engine room her dual Caterpillar C-12 diesels of 715hp each ensure the C60 Sports Cabriolet goes every bit as good as it looks.
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.8 m (61.7ft)
Beam - 5.3 m
Draft - 1.4 m
Fuel Capacity - 5600 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Weight - 27 t
Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 2 heads
Engines - 2 x Caterpillar C12 715hp
Speed - 25 knots cruising

www.maritimo.com.au

New Model: Absolute 70

The much waited flagship of Absolute yachts the new 70, was finally unveiled during the Cannes Show. This was much an awaited debut from the competition, press and passionate people alike, due to some important technical and design innovations. The new 70 makes the talk with never seen ideas for a 21 metre Sport Yacht: extended hard top with the aft part opening up electrically to uncover the aft deck if you are a sun worshipper, forward sunpads for three persons all adjustable electrically, interior saloon and galley being among the most spacious of the category and all cabins featuring big full view windows. The innovation on the technical side comes from the quadruple IPS 600 engine installation the second boat offering this type of propulsion, and the digital integrated control by wire system. Sleeping accommodation offers a 3 double cabin interior all featuring fully private en-suite heads, with full beam owners cabin being very spacious for the size of boat. Crew cabin is a double accommodation, featuring a crew lobby, also unusual for a Sport Yacht of 21 metre. Credit has to be given to Absolute, who with the new flagship continues the philosophy shown with the smaller models creating a flagship full of innovative features. PowerYacht thanks Absolute UK dealer Ocean Nautic for his assistance in this exclusive preview.

Technical Data:

LOA - 21.50 m (70.5ft)

Beam - 5.45 m

Weight - 35.000 kg estimated

Fuel Capacity - 3000 l

Water Capacity - 800 l

Max Persons - 16

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 2 berth crew cabin

Engines - 4 x Volvo Penta D6 IPS600 435hp

Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking duoprop pods

Speed - 31 knots max, 26 knots cruising

Design - Absolute Development Lab

Certification - CE B

www.absoluteyachts.com

New Model: Sunseeker 86 Yacht

With a broad beam and superb accommodation for up to eight people, the 86 Yacht is typical of Sunseeker’s trademark look and proven deep ‘V’ hull design, a craft of exceptional beauty. The exterior enjoys a sleek profile and extremely elegant lines, suggesting both power and grace. Forward of the large saloon is a dining area, fully equipped galley and stairs leading to the lower deck and guest accommodation. The main deck also features the main helm position and access to the forward VIP stateroom with en suite and walk-in wardrobe. Alternative layout options allow for a total of up to three full beam staterooms or a third smaller stateroom and additional fourth pullman cabin. With a choice of powerful twin diesel engine options, this new yacht is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots. Inside, Sunseeker’s team of interior designers and stylists excel with their imaginative use of space, particularly the inspired layout that allows the crew to move freely between the fully equipped enclosed galley and their self-contained quarters without disturbing guests. The crew quarters are situated at the stern and include a crew mess, shower/WC, captain’s double berth cabin and a twin pullman crew cabin. With an optional GRP hard-top bimini, the flybridge provides ample seating and sunbathing space with a fully equipped wetbar and teak dining table and the area can also be customised to include a hot tub, crane and jet ski.
Technical Data:
LOA - 26.4 m (86.9ft)
Length Waterline - 20.4 m
Beam - 6.40 m
Draft - 1.96 m
Displacement - 69.100 kg @ half load
Fuel Capacity - 7500 l
Water Capacity - 1500 l

Accoumdation - eight guests in four cabins, four crew in two cabins  
Engines - twin diesel up to a total of 3650 hp
Speed - 30 knots max, 23 knots cruising
Range - 350 nautical miles
Project - Don Shead hull, Sunseeker Design Exterior and Interior

www.sunseeker.com