March 6, 2009

Project: Coronet 350 Weekend

The new Coronet 350 Weekend which is to be the new flagship from the Danish builder signals a modern timeless design but also a keeping with smaller models of the range in particular the latest release the 290. It will also ensure recognisable looks to the old legendary Coronet models in the hull lines, and similar to the new ones with the upper structure. Coronets want to perceive the new model as having an exclusive look to the range, presenting a modern retro touched all weather hard top sport cruiser developed on the concept of the 290 Weekend. So far little details are available but we know that it will be a twin engined with stern drive propulsion. The cockpit aft deck will also offer a clever layout as seen on the 290 with an l-shaped settee all covered under the hard top, and a small sun lounger aft.

Improve-it = Cabo 52 Express

Since its founding in 1991, Cabo always had the vision to be among the top builders sportfishing yachts design. This manifested itself in the fall of 2005 with the launching of the industry’s first production 52 Express. This colossal Cabo immediately became the battlewagon of choice for express devotees looking for more room and range in an open yacht design. Soon after the early success of the 52 Express, other production manufacturers began to plan and build their own versions; however, Cabo has maintained its reputation for superior performance, construction, fishability and design. Now, in the fall of 2008, at the behest of serious anglers looking to accommodate even larger teams over longer periods of time, Cabo raises the bar again with the introduction of a three-stateroom/two-head optional layout for the 52 Express. Cabo's acclaimed balance between functionality and beauty is clear throughout the accommodation spaces. The interior of this newly re-designed 52 Express is typical of Cabo Yachts' unmatched standards of quality and understated luxury. In every Cabo, fishability is both a focus and critical component. To that end, nothing about the cockpit or helm deck has been changed. Even better, there have been no compromises below deck. The new 52 Express three-stateroom layout does not rob space from the heart of this beast, the engine room. Still capable of harnessing twin CAT C32s for 3,100 total horsepower, it is obvious that performance and range are still the backbone of every Cabo.

March 5, 2009

Engine: MTU Series2000 M94 2600hp

MTU, one of the world’s most advanced diesel engine technology and systems providers, debuted its newest Series 2000 marine engine at the Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami last month. This newest version of the Series 2000, the M94 boasts the highest horsepower in its class and an improved power-to-weight ratio. Horsepower has been increased by up to 8% over the previous Series 2000 marine engine. The new power output ranges from 1193 kW (1600hp) up to 1939 kW (2600hp) at 2450rpm. The M94’s increased horsepower and excellent power-to-weight ratio was achieved thanks to MTU having the key technology know how in house: turbo charging, fuel injection and engine control. Turbocharger selection was optimized for fuel consumption at cruise speed and its ability to generate higher boost pressure at lower engine speeds. This is one of the major advances for a reduction of a vessel’s acceleration time. Another strong point of the MTU Series 2000 M94 engine is that it not only conforms to worldwide emissions standards, including EPA Tier 2 commercial and IMO, but also comes standard with SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) certification. It features double wall fuel lines and triple wall water cooled turbocharger and exhaust routings that keep the engine surface temperature under 220° Celsius. This low engine surface temperature is not only a matter of safety, but a matter of comfort as well translating into a comparatively low engine room temperature. The M94 has also been engineered to be a quiet engine, with one of the lowest sound pressures, even at idle or slow speed operation. The M94 will be available to customers in 10 and 12-cylinder configurations beginning in March, with the 16-cylinder to follow in May. An 8-cylinder configuration will follow within this year.

New Model: Sunreef 70 Power

Created for demanding owners seeking comfort, speed, and above all autonomy this power catamaran features also a dynamic and powerful look that is so much desired. Powered by twin 870 HP engines, it reaches a maximum speed of 30 knots. Manufactured by using the resin infusion method, the 70 Power will be available in three versions: charter, semi-owner, and owner. Aboard one will enjoy exceptional living spaces of over 500 square feet, as well as giant fly bridge with a jacuzzi. In addition to a jacuzzi, the fly bridge features the main helm station, sun bathing mattresses and dining table surrounded by comfortable seating. On the aft deck you will have enough room for jet ski. On the main deck a spacious, external cockpit of 320 square feet will let you relax while being pleasantly sheltered from the sun. Inside the 70 Power you will discover comfortable saloon of modern design that creates a harmonious atmosphere. The lounge has an elegant bar with leather sofas and an impressive hifi system with a staircase leading to the galley and guest cabins within the hulls, and also to the second helm station located on the mezzanine floor. From here you access the owners’ cabin (owner version), or two guest cabins ( semi-owner or charter version ). These cabins are situated in the forward section of the catamaran and thus offer wonderful sea views.
Technical Data:
LOA - 21 m (69ft)
Beam - 9.3 m
Draft - 1.2 m
Displacement - 33 t
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 4500 l
Water Capacity - 1000 l
Engines - 2 x 870hp
Speed - 30 knots max
Project - Sunreef Yachts

March 3, 2009

Project: Terranova 60 Explorer

The growing success from Terranova continues, presenting an update to its smaller project entry level boat, the 58 Explorer and now renamed as the 60 Explorer. Designed by Studio Spadolini the entry level Terranova continues the concept of a small ship with a nineteen fifties and sixties looks influence, characterized by a low on the water profile as seen for the bigger 68 Explorer. Her interior is a three cabin plan, with a full beam owners cabin, an l-shaped cabin to port, and forward VIP cabin. All cabins have en-suite bathrooms, with the hard choice coming from any owner to choose the forward cabin or the more silent midships one, with the former being slight bigger. A more traditional layout with forward owners cabin and 2 sister double cabins mid ship is also available. Hull shape is a semi planning, characterized with tunnel pockets for better efficiency of the running gear, at the 17 knots project speed. Engines are twin Volvo 575hp up to optional MAN 700hp. 60 Explorer wants also to guarantee maximum comfort with minimum rolling thanks to the engine room fitted Seakeeper Gyro stabilizer.

New Launch: Jarrett Bay 67 Sportfisherman Hull #54

Another new Custom Sportfish yacht, this time coming from one of the most renowned builders, Jarrett Bay Boatworks from North Carolina, US. This new Jarrett Bay Custom Sportfisherman hull no.54 is the latest launch and as all Jarrett Bays its line and flared bow shows its recognizable North Carolina style. It also delivers amazing performance, touching forty knots in its first sea trials. As most of the custom high performance sportfish boats, Jarrett Bay also builds its boats in Cold Mould construction, guaranteeing a full custom build and impressive strength to weight ratio. Showing the success from Jarrett Bay is there portfolio, which has at the moment three other custom builds in construction, hull nos. 53, 55 and 56, being a 43, 63 and 77 feet respectively, with the later replacing hull. no. 38 73 as the biggest build.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.5 m (67.7ft)
Waterline Length - 18.7 m
Beam - 5.4 m
Draft - 1.65 m
Fuel Capacity - 7192 l
Water Capacity - 1230 l
Engines - 2 x Cat C32 Acert 1825hp
Speed - 40 knots max
Construction - cold mould

March 2, 2009

Improve-it = Riviera 41 Open Flybridge

Since its launch in March 2007, Riviera has sold more than 50 of the 41 Open Flybridge sleek new-look two-cabin model. Now the 41 Open Flybridge is being offered with an even more generous size starboard guest cabin. The new layout, developed following market feedback, includes a comprehensive redesign of the guest accommodation area, extending and remodelling the guest cabin after deleting the second bathroom. As well as adding floor space, the cabin includes a third fore-and aft bunk and additional storage forward. The two bathroom configuration includes two single beds and a slide-out athwart ships bunk in this cabin. Other refinements include a solid shower unit in the bathroom and additional storage in the galley and saloon. Riviera’s Concept Design Manager Neil McCabe describes the Riviera 41 as an evolution of the styling introduced with the new era Riviera 40 six years ago.

New Model: Marquis 500 Sport Bridge

Marquis 500 Sport Bridge is the new 2009 model from the US builder part of the Genmar Group. Like all the latest Marquis since the 420 the new 500 Sport Bridge is a design of Italians Nuvolari-Lenard of Venice. The new Marquis 500 Sport Brige is a performance yacht born out of the lines of the 500 Sports Coupe, offering a flybridge along with a fully equipped salon helm station. Power is supplied by three Volvo Penta diesel engines; standard 370hp or optional 435hp units with IPS rotating pod drive propulsion. This results in superb low speed torque; thrilling top-end performance and exceptional joy stick controlled slow moving maneuverability, while being more efficient than traditional shaft driven propulsion systems. The low profile 500 Sport Bridge is available in two versions, single or double helm station below option, sun pad aft or by the helm or bigger seating dining area. Lounge space is available throughout, choose the privacy of the triple-wide fore-deck lounge or the contoured bridge lounge or the spacious sun pad aft of the bridge. With the opening of the aft bulkhead doors, galley, salon, cockpit and swim platform are integrated into a single level social area with additional cockpit space available thanks to a transom aft bulkhead movement. The Marquis 500 Sport Bridge offers a three cabin two head interior, appointed with highly finished woodwork, custom crafted from a number of exotic hardwoods. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.09 m (49.6ft) 
Hull Length - 14.4 m 
Beam - 4.7 m 
Draft - 1 m 
Displacement - 21,000 kg 
Fuel Capacity - 1915 l 
Water Capacity - 605 l 
Berths - six berths in three cabins, extra two berths in convertible saloon 
Engines - 3 x Volvo D6 370hp, D6 435hp 
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward facing pod drives 
Project - Nuvolari Lenard

March 1, 2009

New Model: AB Yachts 92 Fly

AB Yachts presents its new 92 Fly. Many would think that this new AB is just a Fly Sport bridge version of the 92, but it is not so having this new model longer and wider hull dimensions. It is good to know that the principles of this builder of making a new hull per design still exist as at today. So far little information is available about the interior layout but being all AB Yachts custom builds, it is and can be anyone guess really. The flybridge for hull number one offered a central helm station with 2 seats, and two sun loungers one to fore of the station and the other aft. As usual for this Viareggio, Italian builder what will for sure be is having among the best in Jet propulsion performance and handling, but also high speeds in this case a 48 knots max. Construction is in sandwich with latest and best weight to strength materials: epoxy based vinylester resins, Divinycell coring, and Kevlar fibre, all applied with vacuum bagging technique.
Technical Data:
LOA - 29.97 m (98.3ft)
Beam - 7.00 m
Max Persons - 16
Engines - 2 x MTU 16v2000M93 2400hp
Propulsion - water jets
Speed - 48 knots max, 44 knots cruising

February 28, 2009

Monthly News - February 2009

-pic of the month- Pershing Best of Best China

Baglietto La Spezia Fire

Baglietto regrets to announce that on Saturday 31st January, hull number C.10202 - the third vessel in this yard's 53m series was seriously damaged following a fire on board the yacht while it was in the company's La Spezia shipyard. The cause of the fire is, as yet, unknown. Happily, no one sustained any injuries. Thanks to the yard's own security measures, and the swift intervention of the Fire Brigade, the Port Captain, the Harbour Authorities and the Police, the damage has been contained within a single shed and there was no damage to surrounding buildings or the environment. No other yacht has been damaged and yacht building activities will continue as normal.


Benetti Yachts Finalist at Superyacht Awards

Benetti will have three yachts among the finalist of the 2009 World Superyacht Award, one of the most prestigious award of the industry, hosted by Boat International in London on May 16 2009. FB239, 60 m, Xanadu, launched in summer 2008, will compete as best displacement Motor Yacht of 500GT to 1,299 GT; FB238, Platinum 50m, will compete as Best displacement Motor Yacht of below 500 GT; Salu, Benetti Tradition 100ft, will compete as best semi-displacement Motor Yacht in the 100 to 130ft size range.


Cobalt Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction for 8th Year

For the eighth consecutive year, large runabouts (20 to 29 feet) built by Cobalt Boats have ranked “highest in customer satisfaction” in the J.D. Power and Associates Boat Competitive Information Study. The 2009 study investigated owners’ satisfaction with their runabouts throughout the sales, service, and product experiences. Again this year Cobalt owners gave their boats especially high marks in design and styling, ride and handling - the traditional strengths of Cobalt design and manufacture. Owners were also especially pleased with the boats’ performance in water sports, a trend certain to continue with this year model with Cobalt’s recent introduction of the Water Sports Series, two boats configured precisely for wake boarding and skiing.


Ferretti Group Press Release

Ferretti S.p.A. announces that it is in advanced negotiations for the restructuring of the group's indebtedness. Once the proposal is agreed, it will be circulated to all the lenderswith a view to being approved as soon as possible. Once accepted by the lenders, the proposal would provide for an injection of new equity by some key managers of the Ferretti group - led by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Norberto Ferretti - and a primary financial investor, as well as the provision of new credit lines in favour of the Group. Overall, the Group's debt burden would be reduced. On the terms proposed, Candover and Permira will not participate in the restructuring of Ferretti S.p.A. and will not be part of the shareholding structure of the Group going forward. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Norberto Ferretti and the key managers expressed their full satisfaction with the negotiations to date and confirmed their commitment to work towards finalising the proposal and then its successful and prompt implementation.


Majesty Yachts Delivers Three 121s

Majesty Yachts delivered its third 121 yacht from its UAE shipyard. The model was officially launched at the 2008 Dubai International Boat Show less than 12 months ago. Gulf Craft will once again be the largest exhibitor at the Dubai International Boat Show taking place March 3-7 2009.


Mulder to Expand New Facility

Mulder Shipyard recently bought a 6000 m² terrain for the construction of a second facility. The new yard will be developed less than ten kilometres away from the current location and will feature three dry docks with room for yachts of up to 45 metres. The new location will be dedicated to the maintenance, refitting and new construction of larger yachts. It is expected to be finished in 2010, at which point the current facility will focus solely on the construction of yachts up to 18 metres in length.


Nordhavn Gather the Kiwis

More than 70 guests gathered at the New Zealand Maritime Museum to greet world travelers – and Nordhavn explorers – Scott and Mary Flanders last Saturday, January 17. The party was not only an opportunity to congratulate the Flanders on completing the final leg of their two-year journey on board their Nordhavn 46, Egret, that started out September ’06 in Gibraltar, it was the chance for Kiwis to extend a warm welcome to the couple whose adventures they have been tracking each week, and actually pick their brains in person about cruising and Nordhavns. Hosted by Nordhavn’s Australian affiliate office, the day brought together cruising enthusiasts and boating media alike – all who wanted to get an up-close and personal viewpoint of what it is like to pick up everything and just go.


Numarine New Sales & Marketing Director

Turkish motoryacht producer Numarine has appointed Fehmi Hakan Oral as its new director of sales and marketing. Oral, an experienced marine engineer and commercial diver, will be responsible for developing markets around the world, finding and managing new dealerships and improving all marketing and after sales activities within the group. Prior to joining the company, he spent a year as an after sales consultant for the Ferrari Group in Turkey. Before that, he spent six years as general manager of MG Rover and five years at Mazda as general manager responsible for the aftermarket.


Pershing Best of Best China’s Favorite Italian Shipyard

The immense popularity of the Pershing brand on the Chinese market has been reconfirmed for 2009, too. An awards ceremony was held recently in the elegant setting of the Hotel Pudong Shangri-La in Shanghai, during which Pershing, a Ferretti S.p.A. brand and famous Italian shipyard specialising in the production of luxury yachts, was presented with the important “Best Luxury Performance Yacht 2009” award, following data issued by the “Best of the Best” survey. The “Best of the Best” is the most authoritative survey which the Editorial Office of “The Hurun Report”, an important Chinese magazine devoted to the financial world and luxury, has drawn up every year for the past five in order to make an in-depth investigation of the lifestyles and spending habits of the most prominent figures in the Chinese economy. The interviews, carried out between, April and November 2008, involved a list of 500 leading figures on the Chinese market, earning an annual income of over one million Euro. The survey analysed the spending habits of Chinese entrepreneurs, determining what they purchase and how the representatives of a market which is increasingly more important at an international level spend their money. It awarded the Italian shipyard, which has been manufacturing products featuring a high level of innovative content for many years, and is able to create yachts which skilfully combine an innovative design with a markedly sporty performance. This year too, Pershing was acknowledged with an ability to epitomise the most demanding, advanced expression of the concept of innovation, anticipating the new rules of yachting and passing another important test-bed: meeting with new demands and new markets. During the course of the gala evening, the unmistakable Pershing style, an elegant mix of technology and design, rightfully paraded alongside the most prestigious brands of international luxury, ranging from Luis Vuitton to Chanel, Rolex to Hilton, reconfirming itself as a symbol of the very best of Italian-made goods, even abroad. A new, important commercial agreement was recently signed with Noble Brand in order to support the growing penetration of the Pershing brand on the Asian market. Part of the WO KEE HONG holding, this trading company is already involved in different areas of a luxury lifestyle which counts prestigious clients, such as Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Agusta and a number of retail fashion brands like John Richmond and Sweet Years. The agreement was made public to coincide with delivery of the first Pershing 50’, the last of the Pershing yachts to arrive in Hong Kong.

Pershing from Fano to Rio De Janero Trip

The latest unit of the Pershing 115’ will leave shortly the moorings of the Marina dei Cesari in Fano for Brazil, last stop Rio de Janeiro. It will take the yacht about a week to sail round Italy, after which she will be loaded onto a large transport ship which will plough through the Atlantic Ocean to Brazil where her owner is eagerly waiting for her. Pershing 115’ is the finest expression of the company’s distinctive values, a style revolution created to surprise. Developed by means of a design challenge which has kept Pershing staff, De Simoni Designer and Ferretti S.p.A.’s AYT (Advanced Yacht Technology) busy, this model is characterised by the highly original external lines, both sinuous and resolute at once, as well as the extraordinary performance of which she is capable while still maintaining a high level of comfort.


Riviera Success at Melbourne Boat Show

Australia’s leading luxury boat builder, Riviera, has reported a healthy start to the Boat Show season following the Melbourne International Boating and Lifestyle Show during the weekend. Confirming the sale of a Riviera 33 Open Flybridge as well as a number of strong sales opportunities over the next few weeks, Stuart Jackson Dealer Principal said he was delighted with the result. Riviera Syndication also reported success at the show. Mr Russell said that Melbourne members were very excited about Riviera Syndication’s plans for a 5800 Sport Yacht in the Whitsundays. Riviera dominated the Show with 12 boats on display covering about 17 per cent of the entire show area. According to Riviera Global Sales and Marketing Director Tim Sayer, the Melbourne show was a valuable indicator for the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May. Mr Jackson said that Riviera and R Marine partnered with Melbourne’s largest Land Rover, Volvo and Jaguar dealer to host an owners’ party on the Saturday night.


San Lorenzo Finalist for Boat International Superyacht Awards

Onyx, the 38.50 metre yacht built by the Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo and designed by Francesco Paszkowski Design is one of the 8 Finalists for Boat International’s World Superyacht Awards within the section “Best semi-displacement or planing Motoryacht in the 30m to 39 m size range”. Francesco Paszkowski Design was in charge of exterior design and interior layout. After a two-day selection meeting the 99 yachts nominated for an award were reduced to 59 Finalists who were then divided in nine sections. Finalists will be placed before the 15 Judges - all superyacht owners except for two industry professionals – who will actually decide the winners. The winners’ names will not be disclosed until they are presented with their ‘Neptune Awards’ during a sumptuous Gala Evening on Saturday the 16th May in the magnificent setting of London’s Guildhall, one of the most splendid and historic buildings in the City of London. The selection as a Finalist for the prestigious award is an important acknowledgement for San Lorenzo and the creativity and career of Francesco Paszkowski Design, one of the leading yacht designers on the international scene.


Sea Ray Recipients of J.D. Power and Associates Award

Sea Ray Boats announced today that it is the recipient of the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates award in two categories as measured by the 2009 Boat Competitive Information Study(SM) released today at the Miami International Boat Show. Sea Ray was recognized for "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Express Cruisers in a Tie." Sea Ray also received the award in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006. Sea Ray also achieved the "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Award with Small Runabouts" for the first time after several years of finishing near the top in that highly competitive segment. Now in its eighth year, the J.D. Power and Associates study examines the sales, service and product experience of new-boat owners. Owner satisfaction with new boats is measured in seven segments: ski/wakeboard; fiberglass bass boats; small runabouts (16 to 19 feet); large runabouts (20 to 29 feet); coastal fishing (17 to 30 feet); pontoons; and express cruisers (24 to 33 feet). Overall customer satisfaction index scores are based on performance in eight factors: cabin; engine; ride and handling; helm and instrument panel; design and styling; sound system; water sports; and fishing. Its boat competitive information study measures the on-the-water experiences that owners have with their new boats. Survey respondents measured boats that were produced for the 2007 and 2008 model years. Stone credits Sea Ray's response to previous J.D. Power and Associates findings as reasons behind the brand's continued improving performance in the annual study. For the purpose of this study, Express Cruisers were defined as cruising style boats 24 to 33 feet with a galley and an enclosed head. The Small Runabout category included boats from 16 to 19 feet in length. J.D. Power and Associates received feedback from thousands of new boat owners, allowing the study to provide detailed evaluations of customer satisfaction with the vessel's interior and exterior, features and controls, ride and handling, comfort, convenience, and engine performance and maintenance.


Sunseeker Bigger Lift

A new 320 tonnes travel lift, believed to be one of the largest hoists of its type in the UK, has been installed at Sunseeker International's Osprey Quay Shipyard on Portland in Dorset. The new hoist, supplied by Wise Handling Limited, has a height of 13.5 metres, an overall width of 15 metres and weighs 108,000 kg. The new travel hoist, which has been built to launch or retrieve boats up to 320,000 kilograms, has been acquired to operate with a brand new lifting dock. The dock, similar to that at the company's Poole Shipyards, has been specifically built to meet the demand for boats over 30 metres (100 feet). With a successful range of larger craft already in production - including the 37 Metre, 34 Metre and 30 Metre Yachts, along with the Predator 108 - the travel lift will also have the ability to elevate and move even larger vessels such as the Sunseeker 46 Metre Yacht currently in development and the Predator 130, which is due to be launched later this year. In addition, the hoist will have full remote control facility with double speed winching - enabling greater flexibility in moving boats. Sunseeker recently announced its intention to build superyachts over 50 metres and the 11 acre site at Osprey Quay, along with the facilities now available, will be an important part in the company's future development.


Viking WBS Cup Winner

Viking was honored with the WBS President’s Cup for the fifth year in recognition as the top boat manufacturer based on winning performances in more than 70 bill fishing tournaments conducted around the world