Improve-it = Menorquin MY 180

Menorquin shipyard continues to expand, offering new products and services to meet market demands and also in designing strategies to provide solutions to different sectors of the business. It is along these lines and in direct response to the needs of this particular sector of the charter market that Menorquin is launching a new option for the MY 180. The charter version of the current flagship from Menorquin will be manufactured to order only and presents some very attractive innovations which will exceed all possible expectations of those looking for the latest in an 18 metre charter boat thanks to an unbeatable deck design, a tremendous feeling of space and superb comfort. The new version of the Menorquin Yacht 180 for charter has unbeatable living spaces which are in part due to the wheelhouse pilot station having been dispensed with. This means there is now a single central pilot station on the flybridge, which simultaneously provides additional space on the upper deck and may also be used for adding extra equipment. The wheelhouse has been equipped with a double sofa and dining table to seat up to 8 people and is ideal for entertaining on board. The cockpit provides exterior seating around a semicircular sofa and table, all designed and finished with elegant teak finishes. The generous sundeck can be reached along the spacious side decks and has an awning to provide protection from the sun. The lower deck of the new Menorquin MY 180 charter version houses four fabulous passenger cabins. These four cabins are supremely welcoming; all offering en suite head facilities. Two of the cabins offer single beds whilst the other two have doubles. There is also the independent crew cabin to fore towards the bow, with capacity for two people, a washroom and is accessed from the main deck. Another detail which has been incorporated in this new model is the addition of a compact living space with a table and chairs off the galley, located on the lower deck for the crew members, with the aim of making their work on board comfortable. Add to these innovations the most representative qualities of the Menorquin Yacht 180, such as the classic design fused with modern engineering and the economic to run semi displacement hull form a timeless, functional and stunning yacht.

www.menorquin.com

New Model: Sunseeker 74 Predator

The new Sunseeker 74 Predator follows the themes shown on the 92 Predator Sport and 84 Predator, offering a sport bridge second helm station area up top. Its design also provides total flexibility to meet the requirements of either owner driver, or a crewed operation motor yacht. The 74 Predator is also offered with the choice of either a standard hardtop or optional sports flybridge, as pictured above. Lower deck layout configurations, add to the versatility of this model, being available with a triple cabin six berth plan or add an extra cabin with double bunks for extra guests. A double crew cabin with head is located aft. Twin diesel options are available up to a total of 3144hp, which can give wide open throttle speeds of 42 knots, with an economical cruise of 25 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 22.26m (73.3ft)
Hull Length - 21.4 m
Length Waterline - 16.5 m
Beam - 5.60 m
Draft - 1.65 m at full load
Displacement - 32500kg half load
Fuel Capacity - 3900 l
Water Capacity - 720 l
Accommodation - 8 guest berths + 2 crew
Engines - twin diesels up to 3144hp total
Speed - 42 knots max, 25 knots cruise
Range - 380 nautical miles
Project - Don Shead / Sunseeker Design
Certification - CE

www.sunseeker.com

Project: Cayman 60 HT

Following the success of the new 75 HT flagship from Cayman Yachts which received a lot of attention during the 2008 Genoa Show, and will be delivered in two further examples this year, Cayman unveiled two further projects of the HT line presenting a 55 and a 65 earlier on this year. This new 60 HT project is a further development of the 55 HT, improving the underwater lines for bigger propulsion usage, and having further space on board. Confirming this size increase is further accommodation below and bigger engines compared to the 55 HT project. The concept seen for both the 55 and 65 HT is kept similar in the 60 HT, offering living on the main deck, and a lower deck reserved for accommodation. Size and space increase is the adding of an extra third en-suite head for the third guest cabin, versus the two en-suites in the 55. Power now has also been increased offering twin engines up to a total of 2400hp versus 1800hp for the 55 HT, with an anticipated maximum speed of 33 knots and all time cruising of 29 knots. Delivery of the first unit is scheduled for this summer with a second being also in building stages.

www.caymanyachts.it

New Model: Nordic Tugs 26

Last produced in 1997, the Nordic Tug 26 is back by popular demand! With its nostalgic appeal, rugged construction and notable fuel economy, the Nordic Tug 26 became an immediate success in the marine community at its debut in 1980. The Nordic Tug 26 today is as fuel efficient as its predecessor. With a 110hp Volvo D3 diesel engine with electronic controlled high pressure common rail fuel system, take a leisurely cruise and burns less than 1 gph at 6.0 knots, or speed her up and burn 2 gph at 8 knots or under 5 gph at 10 knots. For quick weekend getaways, the 26 reaches top speeds of 14 knots. With room to sleep 4, including a forward stateroom with a wet head plus a convertible salon settee, the Nordic Tug 26 is a great choice for couples and small families. The semi-displacement hull provides a smooth ride and can handle challenging waters as only a Nordic Tug can. Its full keel provides precise tracking with resistance to drift or roll. A heavy-duty stainless steel shoe protects the propeller and rudder, while the hard chine adds to ride stability and reduces roll while at anchor. With full visibility from the pilothouse and direct access to the deck on both sides, solo handling is a breeze. The new Nordic Tug 26, features the seaworthiness and fuel economy that started it for the US builder, and is the rebirth of a classic.

Technical Data:

LOA - 8.02 m (26.4ft)

Length Waterline - 7.67 m

Beam - 2.89 m

Draft - 0.99 m

Displacement - 3909 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 283 l

Water Capacity - 151 l

Accommodation - 2 + 2 berths

Engine - 1 x Volvo D3 110hp

www.nordictugs.com

Boat Review: Formula 290 Sun Sport

Presentation
Formula's 290 Sun Sport, is the latest new model to be launched by this legendary US builder founded in 1956 and always a hot name when it comes to fast and sea worthy boats. The Sun Sport is one of six ranges which offer a total of twenty two boat models from Formula, and is an interesting concept offering aggressive sleek powerboat looks united with additional cruising comfort. If you think the Sun Sport concept is new for Formula, think again! As the first Sun Sport, the 242 was launched in 1983. The 290 Sun Sport is the latest addition to this range, launching in January this year and being presented officially to the general public during the Miami boat show. If you like high performance and want a quality ride, but also want generous accommodation with an exterior that shows comfort this surely should be one of your first stops. The 290 Sun Sport takes also many of the innovative cockpit seating ideas as seen on the bigger 310 transforming this area from lounge area to sun worshippers dream in minimum time.
Accommodation
The intelligent use of space without sacrificing low profiled sleek looks is the icing on the cake for the 290 Sun Sport. Once you get on board the extended bathing platform aft shows spaciousness in the cockpit offering comfort, and seating space associated with a bigger sized boat. Here one finds a nice center located two person sun lounger, followed by a spacious C-shaped settee, and the dual seated helm station both of which lie to the port side. To starboard opposite the c-shaped settee you will find a well sized wet bar, and a single person settee. For sun lovers both the aft sun pad and c-shaped settee, can transform and become one big lounge, making this place a nice sun worshippers paradise.
The lower deck entrance located centrally takes us to the overnight area which features a galley to port, fully equipped shower head opposite to starboard, and forward the vee shaped settee with central table which transforms to a spacious double berth for comfortable overnight stay. Performance
High speeds of over 50 knots have always been a trademark for this US manufacturer who did history in the past of powerboat racing, and still continues to do so. Designed by John Adams who joined Formula in 1971 and is their exclusive designer since that time, the 290 Sun Sport takes this heritage in its hull, with a pure deep vee hull offering a twenty two degrees dead rise calling for powerboat performance and being a reassuring cutter in the chop. The 290 Sun Sport is offered with four gas petrol engine options, standard power being a twin Mercruiser 350 Mag 5.7 litres 300hp each. Other options are a similar 5.7Gi 300hp Volvo, 5.7 GXi 320hp, and the most performing Mercruiser 377 Mag. Propulsion is Mercruiser Bravo Three stern drive, or Volvo DP all being offered with dual counter rotating propellers per drive. The slowest performer of these options is Volvo 5.7Gi giving a speed of 52-55 mph depending the load, with Mag 377 being the faster thanks to a bigger 6.2 litres block which will give you a speed range of 55-58 mph or 50 knots of max speed.
Positive
exterior wet bar with fridge freezer
settee sun pad conversion
Negative
no diesel fuel option
Competition
Offers in this size and style, come mostly from US and European builders. The difference from the continents can be felt with the Americans offering more sleek looks, and the European going for more bulky and high free board exteriors. The Formula together with the also US built Monterey surely stands out for low profile exterior looks, which gives a different meaning to luxury outside. Deep vee hulls of twenty or more degrees of dead rise seems also common in all the US builds here. Criteria for competition has been based for eight metres in over all length, a cabin with double vee berth, and enclosed head.
Airon 278 - head option, no galley, single twin petrol or diesel
Coronet 290 Sport - spacious cockpit with sun pad and settee, exterior galley
Mano 25 Sport - fore and aft sun pad, spacious interior galley
Marex 270 Estremo - wood finish, exterior galley, single engined
Monterey 278 SC Super Sport- close to Formula concept, up to twin 425hp
Performance 807 - various engines up to twin 500hp, fully customized
Sea Ray 290 Sun Sport - radar arch, three different cockpit plans
Windy 28 Ghibli - safety railing, single or twin engine choices
WILD CARD: Scarani 29 Day Cruiser - walk around, extra third berth
Conclusion
Standing at twenty nine feet the 290 Sun Sport is at the middle of this range from Formula, offering what is an interesting boat for first time buyers who want the speed and sea keeping associated with a fast boat but still not wanting to miss additional comfort for a weekend cruise. Formula also offers various color contours, plus additional equipment which can make the 290 Sun Sport a unique boat for each owner. The outside cockpit is surely a deal breaker alone, but associated with the comfort of the cabin below, additional extras which add superior live ability, and the deep vee ride of a Formula makes the 290 Sun Sport a high rated competitor in its style and size.
Technical Data
LOA. 8.84 metres (29ft)
Beam. 2.74 metres
Draft. 1.02 metres
Displacement. 4060 kg
Fuel Capacity. 416 litres
Water Capacity. 76 litres
Max Persons. 8
Accommodation. 2 berths in convertible berth
Engines. 2 x Mercruiser 350 Mag 300hp, 377 Mag 320hp, Volvo 5.7Gi 300hp, 5.7GXi 320hp
Propulsion. stern drive Mercruiser Bravo 3, Volvo DP
Speed. max 50 knots (58mph) with 377 Mag, 47 knots with Volvo 5.7Gi
Hull Shape. deep vee with twenty two degrees dead rise aft
Project. John Adams
Construction. GRP with density foam cored side and decks
Certification. NMMA

www.formulaboats.com
Picture Copyright Formula. Data Formula.

Project: Mustang 480 Sports Euro

Mustang continues to upgrade its new European styling across the Sports range which debuted with the 430 Sports Coupe, with the new 480 Sports Euro being the second of the line up. This Motor Cruiser has many distinctive features of the 430 but is also a bit longer, and will also feature a flybridge. The 480 Sports Euro is to be presented officially in a weeks time during the Sydney show, and features as the title says European styling integrated with the latest technology, added with a stylish and functional Euro Flybridge. The 480 Sports Euro will be the first Mustang to feature “Bio eStart – Fingerprint engine starting technology”, which eliminates the need for engine keys and traditional Start Stop panels, and replaces them with a stylish flush mounted LED backlit device with LED indicators. Mustang owners will be assured an easy boating experience, without the need to hide or remember their engine keys before going boating. The 480 Sports Euro will also feature the popular electronic vessel management system, with either Volvo IPS or Cummins Zeus pod drive systems, hydraulic boarding platform, and modern vanilla oak timberwork finished interiors. Mustang gave little information on engine HP, speeds and layouts but advised that a further extension to the Sports range is in advanced development with the third model a 550 Sports Euro schedule for launch in December.

www.mustangmarine.com.au

Improve-it = Nord West 370 Coupe

Last month Nord West launched a first boat the 370 SportsTop with a new system called Stern drive Joystick. Similar to the IPS this new drive system has electrical steering and maneuvering in harbors can be done very easily thanks to easy to use joystick control. Nord West was among the first users of Volvo IPS system as well as being among the first to make a special designed hull for the propulsion. Every boat can be installed with a maximum of four joystick controls. With the new system stern drive with joystick Nord West adds as promised an other model the 370 Coupe following the 370 SportsTop with this exclusive option. Nord West also advised that a further two models making the total to four will be available with this new stern drive joystick system.
www.nordwest.se

Project: Astondoa 50 Fly

Astondoa presents the project of the new 50 Fly. The 50 Fly will replace the 46 model, presented in the end of the nineties and being one of the successful models built by Spain's largest motor boat builder. With this project Astondoa seems set to present one of the most spacious boats for its size and type, with large cabins shown on the so far presented plans. The 50 Fly seems to challenge the competition in all areas, offering the right mix in all parts of the fifteen metre motor yacht. Flybridge space is abundant with a c-shaped settee on the aft part. Main deck follows the theme with a c-shaped saloon settee to starboard upon entrance, and the much missing in most of today's offers off a dining table for four persons to port. The lower deck impresses the most, with three double cabins, three heads, and a galley situated upon descending the stairs. Don't be mistaken but in all this Astondoa also found space for the much requested full beam owners cabin. There is also the availability of an optional crew cabin with own shower head aft. Performance and engine options has so far not been communicated, although I imagine the use of pod drives or an integrated vee drive solution, moving the engines as much as possible aft, in order to gain more space for the cabins. A similar solution to what Astondoa used on its also very spacious 44 Fly model presented in the fall of 2007.

www.astondoa.es

New Model: Hunt 52

The new Hunt 52 is the flagship of this US builder offering Traditional Yacht line in elegant classic lines and large motoryacht feel with seamless integration of single-level deck and interior liveability. Featuring a natural flow from the helm to the open, bright salon through to the aft deck, the Hunt 52 layout reveals the same unobscured 360 degree views from any position. Exhaustive attention to engineering a boat which can be easily handled by one, or enjoyed by many, has led Hunt to offer features such as joystick control of bow and stern thrusters, fully mechanized dinghy garage transom with stairs, and generous swim platform for easy accessibility. All of this comes without diminishing the unparalleled rough water capability equalling to a fast, easy running, comfortable and dry ride. Interior for the Hunt Yachts new 52 flagship offers two alternative layouts dependable on the type of propulsion chosen. Standard plan is twin double cabin plan with the traditional shaft line propulsion, but with the optional IPS engine choice this can give an extra third cabin with full beam VIP statreoom. There is also the option of choosing a galley up or down solution. Engines options is a three engine choice with standard twin Cats 705hp each, up to 1001hp with traditional shaft line, or in alternative a more modern solution with Volvo 662hp and IPS forward looking pod drives.

Technical Data:
LOA - 17.4 m (57.3ft)

Length Hull - 15.8 m

Waterline Length - 14.6 m

Beam - 4.77 m

Draft - 1.37 m

Displacement - 24545 kg half load

Fuel Capacity - 2839 l

Water Capacity - 567 l

Engines - 2 x Cats C12 705hp, C18 1001hp, Volvo IPS900 662hp

Propulsion - traditional shaft line, Volvo IPS forward looking pod drive

Speed - 29 knots max 24 knots cruise with with Cats C12 705hp

Hull - deep vee 20 degrees dead rise aft

Construction - vinylester resin fully cored above and below waterline

Project - C. Raymond Hunt Associates

www.huntyachts.com

Class 1 - Victory 1 Winner Maritimo Podium Double

After cancelling race one for the BMW Norwegian Grand Prix due to bad weather, the second race went on as scheduled seeing Victory 1 rookie driver, Mohammed Al Mehairi, to his first Class 1 win in just his second outing.

Maritimo 11 was rewarded for a stunning opening lap with second place, to take their first Class 1 podium finish, with other team boat Maritimo 12 giving further cause for celebration, taking their first podium in third place.

Championship leaders, Fazza and Qatar 96, both suffered misfortunes; Fazza stopping due to technical problems, with Qatar 96's race ending in spectacular fashion, barrel-rolling on lap seven.

The Victory duo of Vicory 1 lived up to the promise they showed in the morning's practice and qualifying session, setting the fastest time to take their first pole position, with a richly deserved win.

However, Victory 1 did not have it all their own way, when Fazza showed their pace to take the lead from their team-mates on lap six. But a technical problem ended their hopes, with Victory 1 going on to take a sensational win. The win is the ninth of Sanchez's career, but he was quick to give credit to his pilot Al Mehairi and his crew. The win takes Victory 1 to the top of the Championship standings after two rounds.

Maritimo 11 made a flying start to the race, moving up from seventh place on the second row to third at the end of the first lap. They held position until lap six when they were passed by Qatar 96, who then handed back the place a lap later, barrel-rolling in stunning fashion right in front of Maritimo 11.

Maritimo 12, made it a double celebration for the Australian team grabbing a surprising third place.

Foresti & Suardi - Roscioli Hotels' Giampaolo Montavoci and Giampiero Soave, racing together for the first time in five years, produced an impressive showing to finish in fourth place, equalling Montavoci's best ever finish in Arendal, and moving the Italian pairing into third place in the championship standings.

Despite making a good start, moving up from fourth at the start to second place at the first corner and then passing their team-mates to take the lead on lap six, an electrical problem on lap 12 ended Fazza 3 hopes of a second consecutive win, eventually finishing fifth to salvage valuable points.

For the Spirit of Qatar Team it was a race to forget. Both Qatar 95 and Qatar 96 got squeezed at the start to lose ground and it went from bad to worse, when, on lap seven, Qatar 96 barrel-rolled. On lap 11 a blown engine did for team-mates Abdullah Al-Sulaiti and Matteo Nicolini in Qatar 95 to compound a very disappointing weekend for the team.

Welmax's defending European Champion, also had a frustrating race, first throwing a propeller blade and then a technical problem on lap 13 ending their race. While Giorgioffshore, were the first to retire after an engine failure prevented them from continuing.

BMW Norwegian Grand Prix - Results

1. Victory 1 - M Al Mehairi (UAE) / JM Sanchez (FRA) - 58.17.06

2. Maritimo 11 - T Barry-Cotter (AUS) / PV Nilsen (NOR) + 1.28.95

3. Maritimo 12 - G Manuzzi (SMR) / P McGrath (NZL) + 02.07.17

4. Foresti & Suardi - Roscioli Hotels 8 - G Soave (ITA) / G Montavoci (ITA) + 1 Lap

5. Fazza 3 - A Al Zafeen (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) + 3 Laps

6. Welmax 90 - K O Selmer (NOR) / J Tandberg (NOR) + 5 Laps

Qatar 95 - A Al-Sulaiti (QAT) / M Nicolini (ITA) - DNF

Qatar 96 - H Al-Thani (QAT) / S Curtis (GBR) - DNF

Giorgioffshore 18 – C Zaborowski (NOR) / N Giorgi (ITA) - DNF

Championship Standings after round 2

1. Victory 36pts

2. Fazza 31pts

3. Foresti & Suardi - Roscioli Hotels 18pts

4= Qatar 96 15pts

4= Maritimo 11 15pts

6. Maritimo 12 12pts

7= Aurantium 9pts

7= Giorgioffshore 9pts

7= Welmax 9pts

10. Qatar 95 4pts

www.class-1.com