New Model: Blu Martin S.T. 55

After much waiting Blu Martin finally launches the first of its new bigger Sport Yacht models the S.T. 55. This has been a much waited new model from the Como based Italian builder, aimed to grow with the clients who choose the successful 13.50 Sun Top, and 13.90 Sea Top. The 55 S.T. is a spacious three double cabin Sport Yacht with six berths and two heads. Standard layout offers full beam owners cabin with en-suite facilities, VIP cabin to fore, double guest cabin to port side, and a guest shower head. A distinctive feature for the new big Blu Martin is the separation between night sleep areas on the lower deck, and living socializing quarters on the main. The living area is situated upon entering the stainless steel four part patio door, and features an l-shaped settee to port, and a spacious l-shaped galley with entertainment module to starboard behind the spacious three person helm station. The new S.T. 55 wants also to differ from other open boats by offering deep and safe side passage ways, along with a cockpit with two lounge settees, and a garage with a 2.80 meter tender space aft. Engines are twin MAN 800hp or Volvo IPS900. As Blu Martin virtue propulsion is a choice to the upcoming owner with direct shaft line as standard, or Volvo forward looking pods.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.7 m (54.7ft)
Beam - 5.0 m
Fuel Capacity - 2000 l
Water Capacity - 600 l
Max Persons - 16
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x 800hp MAN, 2 x Volvo IPS900
Propulsion - shaft line, Volvo IPS Pod

www.blumartinyachts.com

Improve-it = Sabre 42 Express

The advantages of azipod drives have been discussed in many news articles and on the boat show docks as well. Sabre Yachts presents an optional pod propulsion on the Sabre 42 Express and the results as the shipyard says were truly impressive. This shows a superior performance and handling with less horse power thanks to the ZF Zeus 3500 Pods coupled with twin Cummins QSB5.9M 425hp engines. The data by Sabre showed a wide open throttle top speed of 34.2 knots at 3040 rpm, and a very economic cruising speed of 28 knots at 2800 rpm, which gives an amazing 325 nautical mile range. To better this one only a slow 9.9 knots speed at 1400 rpm would make it possible.

www.sabreyachts.com

New Model: Menorquin MY 120

The new MY 120 is Menorquin’s proposal in the 12 metre segment for the 2009/10 season. It is a versatile, extremely habitable boat with extraordinary functionality. With a maximum capacity of 7 berths, the new MY 120 model has two cabins. The master cabin is located in the bow, is fitted with a double bed, reading lights and wardrobes. The guest cabin located to the stern, starboard side is very spacious and versatile, providing various sleeping options depending on the sailor’s preferences or requirements two single beds or one single bed and one double bed. The lower bed is extensible and converts into a double bed; this cabin is also fitted with wardrobes and reading lights. The dinette located to port side also converts into a double bed, thanks to the table’s telescopic leg, further increasing the sleeping space. Another valuable feature of the dinette is the incorporation of a hollow bench for stowage. The interior layout of the new Menorquin Yacht 120 has been designed to include every detail and is equipped to perform as a highly functional cruising yacht; the washroom located on the starboard side has an independent shower and double access, from the dinette and from the master cabin. The fully equipped galley to port side, includes a hob with two burners, fridge, bottle rack, microwave, and a wide range of cupboards provides ample storage space. The passages which divide the living areas allow each separate space to function independently, whilst incorporate enhancing features to this new model. For example, the wheelhouse and the galley are connected by an opening through which daylight enters. The doors which access the wheelhouse from the cockpit can be fully opened so that the two spaces are totally connected. The wheelhouse is extremely functional in its design; there is an ergonomic seat for two people with space at the back for storing chairs. On the outside, the bathing platform, which features a hot and cold water shower, is very practical. The wide sundeck is also a great attraction and will delight passengers wishing to lie and relax in the sun. The spacious cockpit offers the possibility of installing a collapsible table over the engine compartment hatches and can be stowed when not is use. The quality of the wood which is used very generously on the interiors highlights the exquisite classic style that distinguishes Menorquin Yachts and is continued on the MY 120, and it will undoubtedly be the fascination of those who value comfort and functionality as much as the guarantee of safe and stable sailing thanks to the smooth semi displacement hull.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.85 m (38.8ft)
Beam - 3.90 m
Draft - 0.95 m
Displacement - 11.3 t

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 475 l

Water Capacity - 650 l

Max Persons - 12

Accommodation - 7 (5+2) berths, 2 cabins, 1 head

Engines - 2 x Volvo D4-EVC 260hp, Yanmar 6BY 260hp

Speed - 14 knots cruising

Certification - CE B
www.menorquin.com

Propulsion: Twin Disc Arneson ASD8-10 Dual Fin

Arneson Surface Drives which are among the most efficient marine propulsion systems in the world present a new Dual Fin option for the ASD8-10 models. With the their surface piercing propeller design which reduces underwater drag by 50% compared to conventional submerged props drive systems. The only surfaces to contact the water are propeller blades and a protective skeg. This results in higher overall speed, quicker acceleration, and a better payload to power ratio with a 50% less drag significantly improving fuel economy while lowering operating costs. The new Arneson Dual-Fin surface drives available in the ASD8-10 models has an an aluminium drop box assembly, with a maximum torque capacity of 1200 lbs, weighs 458 lbs, a length over all of fifty four inches, steering angle of forty degrees, and a trim angle of fifteen degrees. This new set up also requires counter rotating engines for rotation change.

www.arneson-industries.com

New Model: Maritimo 56 Cruising Motoryacht

The new Maritimo 56 Cruising Motoryacht presented at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show showed a new era for the Australian builder Cruising Motor Yacht range. For a start, the 56 will be the first Maritimo not to sport the trademark ‘wings’ on the flybridge. Further, it will have a sleeker look with a more raked bow and a slightly longer flybridge. The internal staircase to the flybridge, the big walk around decks, the nine-degree shaft angles are all trademark Maritimo features that are retained in this stunning new vessel. The 56 Cruising Motoryacht has a three-cabin, two-bathroom layout similar to that of the smaller 52, but it will have a larger main stateroom and an altogether bigger feel. The owners stateroom is to port with its own private en suite bathroom. VIP double cabin forward with ensuite access to the second bathroom and a bunk cabin to port which also houses the washer/dryer. The main saloon is huge and perfect for entertaining with a staircase to port with an L-shaped lounge forward of that. A second lounge/dinette is to starboard and a sliding door giving direct access to the deck is also to starboard. Aft is the galley which resides on the same level as the saloon and have direct access to the cockpit via the three-way sliding doors. Australians love big cockpits and the 56 does not disappoint in this important area, offering a comfortable lounge with optional dinette, plus a big freezer and barbecue in the ‘boot’. However the big news is in the bathing platform which is huge and can lift up or down to 400mm, making it easy to swim, lifting the tender on or of the water, or just sitting on a deck chair cooling your heels. Entertainers and skippers alike will appreciate the big new enclosed flybridge, for its roominess, views, dinette, lounge, fridge, and the large back veranda where one can enjoy the views from outside. Skippers will also appreciate the big flybridge not only for its comfort and the vision but mostly the twin helm seats behind a vast console which will have all the room you need for the big screens for navigation, and the control systems monitoring the pair of 715hp C12 Caterpillar. The C12s will comfortably, and more importantly economically, lift the 56 Cruising Motoryacht to an easy cruise speed of 25 knots with more in reserve.
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.5 m (60.8ft)
Beam - 5.2 m
Draft - 1.35 m
Displacement - 28 t
Fuel Capacity - 3850 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Accommodation - 3 cabins, 5 berths + optional extra single
Engines - 2 x Cats C12 715hp
Speed - 25 knots cruising

www.maritimo.com.au

Powerboat P1 - Italian GP SNAV OSG Baia Attolini All Italian Job

Lightning fast SNAV OSG stormed to the overall Powerboat P1 Italian Grand Prix of the Sea Championship in San Benedetto del Tronto after the all-Italian outfit followed up Saturday’s stunning Sprint Race victory with an emphatic Endurance Race win on Sunday. Racing in the face of turbulent weather and with UIM President Raffaele Chiulli among the thousands watching, the triumphant team beat the attrition epidemic that struck all but three of the Evolution Class powerboats to secure their first championship of the 2009 Powerboat P1 World Championship. SNAV OSG still trail Silverline by a staggering 119 points in the overall Evolution Class World Championship standings with the British-based team claiming the second spot on Sunday’s podium just ahead of Belgian outfit, 2B1 Furnibo. SuperSport victors Baia-Attolini ensured the Italians dominated the race weekend after breaking their winning duck in this year’s open-canopy class. Powerboat P1’s oldest statesman Renato Guidi celebrated a perfect birthday present collecting the overall Grand Prix of the Sea trophy alongside euphoric teammates. The thrilled trio closed the gap on SuperSport Class championship leaders, Seagull Chaudron, to 19 points with four rounds to go chasing the World Champions in Gothenburg, Sweden in August. Fourth place during Sunday’s Endurance Race scored Spirit of Belgium their first Powerboat P1 World Championship podium of 2009. Fairing marginally better than their Evolution peers, only two hulls failed to cross the finishing line with championship hopefuls, Ikocasa and Team SW1 Capital suffering from technical problems.

PowerPole

San Benedetto’s home town hero Marco Pennesi powered to pole position at the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea on Friday evening. Charging across the sun-drenched Lingomare shoreline, the Metamarine Pignolo 53 powerboat edged out Italian rivals SNAV OSG by 0.6 of a second with Cigarette Smash Poker starting from third in Saturday’s Sprint Race. Baia Attolini ensured an Italian double celebration with the fastest qualifying time in the open-canopy SuperSport Class. The Naples-based team has been threatening a top-placed finish all season and Friday’s pole-finder, albeit at the expense of Team SW1 Capital who suffered a three-minute penalty for missing a buoy, has given the speed-king trio of Stefano Acanfora, Roy Capasso and Renato Guidi a timely boost ahead of Saturday’s Sprint Race.

Evolution Race 5

After jumping out to a significant lead in Evolution Class, 10 CIGARETTE SMASH POKER throttled by Matteo Nicolini and driven by Luca Formilli Fendi, spun their Mercury powered Cigarette in lap six, allowing 88 SNAV OSG, crewed by fellow countrymen Giancarlo Cangiano and Giovanni Carpitella to take the lead. The Mercury-powered Outerlimits never relinquished the lead, taking the checkered flag ahead of CIGARETTE SMASH POKER, which recovered nicely but had little time to chase down the new leader. Hometown hero Marco Pennesi, whose Seatek diesel powered 53 METAMARINE PIGNOLO 53 was built in San Benedetto del Tronto, finished third for an all Italian podium. Pennesi's regular throttleman, Max Ferrari was replaced due to a scheduling conflict by Luca Nicolini, brother of Matteo. The Nicolini brothers were born a short distance from the race venue.

Evolution Race 6

Thunderstorms delayed the start and threatened the finish of day-two racing in the Powerboat P1 Italian Grand Prix, but when the checkered flag flew, the Italian 88 SNAV OSG, a Mercury-powered Outerlimits crewed by Giancarlo Cangiano and Giovanni Carpitella, added the Evolution Class Endurance Race to Saturday's Sprint Race victory, and captured the weekend's Grand Prix title. While delayed, the race start saw exciting action lining up wide behind the pace boat and crashing in on a right-hand dog-leg turn when the green flag dropped. Belgians Pierre Colpin and Frank Hemelaer in the 33 FURNIBO jumped their Mercury-powered Fountain ahead of the pack, but were forced wide going into the turn by hometown heroes Marco Pennesi and Luca Nicolini's 53 METAMARINE PIGNOLO 53. When the rooster-tails cleared coming out of the first turn, SNAV OSG held first, and never looked back, racing to an easy victory. Close behind them were fellow Italians 10 CIGARETTE SMASH POKER, and 77 LUCAS OIL BUDWEISER, who had worked their Outerlimits with Chief engines from deep in the pack to emerge third. However, entering the first full race lap, LUCAS OIL BUDWEISER came off plane, limping their way through the rest of the race and moving METAMARINE PIGNOLO 53 into third. On the second full lap, CIGARETTE SMASH POKER also dropped off plane, and later dropped from the race, which allowed FURNIBO to move up into third. In lap three, FURNIBO executed another tight turn move on METAMARINE PIGNOLO 53, moving into second, and the three boats held that position, with SNAV OSG opening a wider lead with each new lap. Then on lap 11 of the 13 lap Endurance Race, thick black smoke began pouring from the diesel engines of METAMARINE PIGNOLO 53, and as rain started to fall the Power Pole winner and Saturday's third-place finisher came off plane and completed the race well off the pace. METAMARINE's problems allowed the Brits in the 47 SILVERLINE, who had been crawling through the races both days in order to assure a finish and maintain their standing in the points battle, to move into third. Team SILVERLINE, a Buzzi hull powered by Sterling Marine engines is the only Evolution Class boat to receive a "reliability bonus" of 50 points for having made it through the first half the season using the same set of motors. The bonus points, coupled with their third place finish on Sunday puts SILVERLINE atop the P1 World Championship point standings, despite never having taken a win this season.

SuperSport Race 5

Defending champions Angelo Tedeschi and Aaron Ciantar racked-up another checkered flag in their 43 SEAGULL CHAUDRON, powered by Ilmor. The Mercury-powered Donzi 38 BAIA ATTOLINI, finished second after winning the Power Pole on Friday. Third place saw the all-female team 44 IKO CASA, a similar Chaudron hull as their 43 teammates, only powered by Mercury Racing. The ladies have been delivering consistent performance for Tedechi's Racing Project, and only ten seconds separated the top five teams in SuperSport Class on Saturday.

SuperSport Race 6

Timing is everything, it is said, and that proved true in the second day of the Powerboat P1 World Championship Italian Grand Prix of the Sea at San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy. A points tie for the Grand Prix title between 43 SEAGULL CHAUDRON, Saturday's race winner and 38 BAIA ATTOLINI, which took Sunday's checkered flag was decided by the fastest race times, and delivered the Grand Prix SuperSport title to BAIA ATTOLINI's, in the Mercury-powered Donzi. The Italians jumped to an early lead following the start, in which both Evolution and SuperSport classes started together along a wide line before having to cut in for a hard right turn onto the race course. It was a lead they held for the entire race. The all-female team of 44 IKO CASA, a Chaudron hull powered by Mercury Racing were hot on their heels followed by Britian's 26 SW1 CAPITAL. However, SW1 CAPITAL, which has been plagued by problems this season, saw gremlins once again end their race early, allowing IKO CASA's team boss, in the Ilmor-powered 43 SEAGULL CHAUDRON move into third. The race positions never changed, but the ladies were closing the gap on the leaders when rain began falling in lap eight of the 12 lap Endurance race. On the very next lap, IKO CASA came off plane and 17 MasForce, moved their Mercury-power NorTech into third. Then in the final two laps, another two-boat team was able to make a move as 22 BIG SERGIO, were able to overtake MasForce, winning the Italians a place on the Sunday podium. However, MasForce's fourth place finish Sunday and fifth place finish on Saturday provided a points total moving them into third place overall for the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea.

Results

EVOLUTION CLASS SPRINT
1 88 SNAV OSG 00:32:09.89
2 10 Cigarette Smash Poker 00:32:27.99
3 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 00:33:49.73
4 66 Cranefields Wine 00:39:35.22
5 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits 00:33:13.82 -1 lap
6 47 Silverline 00:41:52.58 -2 laps
7 33 Furnibo
EVOLUTION CLASS ENDURANCE
1 88 SNAV OSG 00:59:14.36
2 33 Furnibo 01:02:03.01
3 47 Silverline 01:00:52.24 -2 laps
4 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 DNF
5 10 Cigarette Smash Poker RET
6 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits DNF
7 66 Cranefields Wine DNF
SUPERSPORT SPRINT RACE
1 43 Seagull Chaudron 00:34:15.53
2 38 Baia Attolini 00:34:17.68
3 44 Iko Casa 00:34:24.07
4 26 Team SW1 Capital 00:34:33.68
5 17 MasForce 00:36:01.21 -1 lap
6 22 Big Sergio 00:37:38.66 -3 laps
7 28 Blue Shaft DNF
SUPERSPORT CLASS ENDURANCE
1 38 Baia Attolini 01:02:53.55
2 43 Seagull Chaudron 01:02:56.75
3 22 Big Sergio 01:03:18.67
4 17 MasForce 01:03:34.87 -1 lap
5 28 Blue Shaft 01:06:28.48 -1 lap
6 44 Iko Casa DNF
7 26 Team SW1 Capital RET

www.powerboatp1.com

Projects: Arcoa 35 Cuddy, Arcoa 52 Black Sword, Arcoa 62 Sword

French builder Arcoa continues to challenge the future by presenting three innovative projects all set to launch in the fall of this year. All these three projects are based on modern traditional lines, as has done Arcoa in recent years first with the introduction of the Mystic series. The first of this presentations is the 35 Cuddy, a runabout with a small cabin inspired to classic US picnic boats. Second project is the 52 Black Sword, which is a mix of traditional US lobster boat inspiration to what regards the design of the coach roof, with hull lines giving clear indication of the European roots build sport cruiser. The Sword is a new series from Arcoa, which takes some bits from the Mystic although not looking as traditional. The third of these project also set to be presented on the fall of this year is the 62 Sword. This will be the new Arcoa flagship superseding the current 60 Mystic which is the current bigger boat of the line up. The 62 Sword follows the concept of the smaller 52 Black Sword with a super structure taking some hints from US lobster boat design and hull lines showing modern European touches as big glassed surfaces and large opening windows. Arcoa has also the project of a bigger boat so far titled 72 Red Project, but set to launch in two years time. www.arcoa-yachts.com

New Model: Astondoa 96 GLX

Spanish yacht builder continues to upgrade its big boat range with modern looking planning Super Yachts. The new 96 GLX has many interesting features, and is designed by Italian architect Fulvio De Simoni, what is his first work for Spanish biggest yacht builder. De Simoni as is his style created a modern looking twenty eight metre Super Yacht with some distinctive areas offering innovative design elements along with huge spaces. The layout is a four guest cabin plan offering a distinctive owners cabin standing to the beam of the boat. The same has to be said for the spacious VIP cabin to fore, which offers huge spaces. Crew accommodation is for four members located aft. Engines are twin MTU 16V2000 2000hp each.
Technical Data:
Length Hull - 28 m (91.8ft)
Beam - 6.81 m
Draft - 2.38 m
Fuel Capacity - 10000 l
Water Capacity - 3700 l
Accommodation - 12 berths
Engines - 2 x MTU 16V2000 2000hp

Project - Fulvio De Simoni Ital Projects
Certification - CE B

www.astondoa.es

Project: Dominator 720

The new Dominator 720 continues the synergy created between the shipyard's Engineering Division and the Team 4 Design studio. This will be the fourth yacht designed by Team 4 for the Italian Adriatic sea based builder. Dominator with the 720 continues to present sober, clean contoured, sleek, and a streamlined style concept, what has become the quintessence of all the distinctive qualities of its range. Linear and dynamic, this craft is the perfect balance between the elegance of longer vessels and the aggressive spirit of a sports styled yacht. The interiors of the 720 will stand out for rationality with a spatial design as well as for their sleek, modern style. Here Dominator continues the use of rich and refined materials used for the panelling and upholstery enhancing every room with a sense of elegance and superior luxury. In perfect Dominator style, as with all the other craft in the range, particular care has also been taken over the lighting systems, all of which have been skilfully designed to create evocative atmospheres both inside and outside. Dominator offers three interior lower deck versions and two main deck layout options. The lower deck is offered with a standard four cabin all with private head arrangement, and two optional three cabin versions which extend the space to the owners cabin. The two saloon options differ mostly in the galley area, with the proposal B offering an open plan layout versus the closed separate galley of proposal A. Engine options will be twin MAN or MTU from 1360hp up to 1550hp.

www.dominator.it

New Model: Sea Ray 540 Sundancer

Sea Ray's newest Sundancer, is the big, and bold 540. This new model once again redefines a modern express cruiser with a sleek distinctive exterior; inviting and thoughtful interior; flexible and intuitive entertaining spaces; and friendly and comfortable living areas. The 540's sheer line flows sinuously from the bow back to the integral hardtop, which is enclosed on the front and sides to create a protected bridge. A retractable sunroof opens at the push of a button, and 32,000-BTU reverse-cycle air-conditioning keeps the cockpit comfortable year-round. This area boasts an amazing list of user-definable features, from a cockpit table and optional teak deck chairs, to a large starboard-side wet bar with icemaker and optional grill and 19" flatscreen TV with DVD player, to an aft bench with backrest cushions that swing open to extend the already huge sunpad. At the helm, two pedestal seats with armrests, footrests, and reclining backrests sit on centerline, enhancing individual comfort and visibility. These seats also pivot on a fiberglass base to face the starboard lounger and create a forward conversation area when the boat is at rest. The helm console is dominated by two 12" color displays for the Raymarine radar/GPS/chartplotter. Controls for the spotlight, Sony stereo, and VHF radio rest below, along with the electronic shifter, throttle, and joystick that operate the standard twin Cummins MerCruiser QSC600 diesel inboards 574hp with innovative, individually articulating Zeus pod drives. Twin SmartCraft Vessel View displays mounted overhead provide detailed engine and vessel data. Sea Ray's designers used natural light and earthy elements to create an elegant, dramatic atmosphere in the cabin. A skylight and six over sized hull windows brighten the salon and galley, where amenities include a Bose home theater system with 32" flatscreen HDTV, Ultraleather HPTM sofa that converts to a bed, coffee table, and wood flooring. Slightly removed from the salon, the galley has a spacious countertop for food preparation, as well as loads of storage. It comes equipped with a coffeemaker, under-counter freezer, under-counter refrigerator, two-burner stove, microwave/convection oven, and power vent. A sliding door in the style of a Japanese shoji screen leads aft to the full-beam master stateroom with en suite head. In this private sanctuary, which has a large picture window for light and ambiance, the owner enjoys a queen-sized innerspring mattress facing a Bose entertainment center with 26" flatscreen LCD and storage below. Another shoji-style door leads to the master head; this is a big space with a full-length mirror, hanging locker, additional drawer and vanity storage, and tile flooring. An enclosed shower stall with seat allows the head to be easily used by more than one person at a time. All the way forward, a VIP stateroom with access to a second head is almost as enticing as the master. A queen-sized island berth with innerspring mattress is flanked by cedar-lined hanging lockers and faces a Bose entertainment center with 19" flatscreen LCD. The forward head includes a shower stall, opening portlight, vanity, mirrored medicine chest, and tile flooring. The 540's layout can also be configured to accommodate three staterooms, in which case the mid-stateroom is split and the forward stateroom becomes the master. There is also a long list of desirable options that include specialized electronics, luxury upgrades, and even a tender package and swim platform with hydraulic marine lift.

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.7 m (54.9ft)

Beam - 4.65 m

Draft - 1.27 m

Displacement - 21,274 kg

Fuel Capacity - 2271 l

Water Capacity - 568 l

Engines - 2 x Cummins QSC600 574hp

Propulsion - ZF Zeus aft looking pod drives

Hull Shape - vee with 21 degrees deadrise

www.searay.com