Improve-it = Galeon 330 Fly

Polish builder Galeon has done the last years improving its range to always better standards in size, and quality. Galeon comes from a decade of successes in all its line that helped upgrade the size of its offer adding it again with the just presented 700 Raptor flagship, six feet more to 2008. The Strasyn builder but continues to look forward and update its products to be more competitive with more models in the works for the near future, and also by improving its current line to higher standards. Poland's top selling motor cruiser the 330 Fly, is now offered with a new more modern interior option. As has been done in other models in the range, Galeon updates them following feedback and requests from its clients. Shown above is a new option for the already unique ten metres motor cruiser offering three cabins that is the 330 Fly, which now adds more to its speciality by being offered with a modern and stylish oak wood interior. This choice apart representing the latest trend of modern wood essence such as oak, gives also the impression of further added spaces due to the natural lighter color it has versus cherry or mahogany. As all Galeon's the oak will be of veneer type, meaning a real sheet of wood adhered to natural density fibreboard, offering a quality feeling of a solid texture but at the same time reducing weight.

www.galeon.pl

New Model: Jeanneau 10 Merry Fisher

Jeanneau continues to upgrade its Merry Fisher range with the addition of the 10. The new 10 Merry Fisher is also the flagship of this entry level motor cruiser range, which now offers a total of nine models. With the 10 Merry Fisher, Jeanneau and designer Garonni successfully evolve the friendly concept of a multi purpose economical flybridge motor cruiser, with modern design hints accented by a traditional form. Garonni and Jeanneau integrate all the latest features like big view windows in the forward owner cabin, togather with a seaworthy, comfortable and secure hull. The big 10 Merry Fisher accommodation plan offers a four plus two berths layout, a separate shower head, and a galley on the main deck. The two cabins are located on the lower deck, with the owners to fore, and the second guest with two bunk berths to port. An additional extra two berths can be gained in the saloon by transforming the C-shaped settee on the main deck. For power Jeanneau takes a traditional economical route offering a single direct in line shaft single engine of 260hp.

Technical Data:
LOA - 10.22 m (33.6ft)
Hull Length - 9.07 m
Beam - 3.33 m
Draft - 1.07 m
Displacement - 4562 kg
Fuel Capacity - 400 l
Accommodation - 4/6 berths
Max Persons - 8
Engines - 1 x 260hp
Propulsion - direct shaft drive
Design - Garonni, Jeanneau
Certification - CE B

www.jeanneau.com

Projects: Nord West 430 Sports Top, Nord West 430 Sport

Nord West is proud to present two projects which will be the new 2010 models from Sweden's most rated power boat builder. Nord West follows the success train of their unique 370 range, which on its own is quite a distinctive project offering from a single hull four different type models and two propulsion choices. Now the Vindon builder launches a larger 430 Sports Top, and 430 Sport similar but bigger to the 370 series of the same model names but taking full advantage of the longer and wider multi award winning 4-series hull, the one used for the 420 Flybridge. This Benny Martinsson design has also won acclaim world wide and now becomes available as a full size sports cruiser. Pictured above is the 430 Sports Top offering the alternative of an easy to use rain or shine electrically folding roof. Benny Martinsson Nord West team continues his concept of diversity, and takes it on another level by offering a wide choice of options below decks with three different accommodation layout from two cabins with two en suite heads, five berths three cabins two heads plan, and the family orientated six berths three cabin single head plan. The choice is yours! The innovative cockpit offers both high and low level seating, an innovative wet bar area, and a double helm seat with lifting bases which allows for two people to either sit or stand behind the helm. Angles for the placement of all instruments have been carefully calculated to give perfect visibility and anti-glare finish to the console area to avoid distracting reflections. Opposite the helm to port is a large safe and supportive upper seating area designed to be at windscreen level for those choosing to sit here, alternatively there is room for this to be utilized as a sun berth with rounded head cushion. The lower seating area can also convert to a full sunbathing bed by lowering the electrical operated table, which in settee format accommodates up to eight people for eating or enjoying a sociable drink. Power choice is from twin Volvo D6 370hp, or more powerful 435hp available in two propulsion choices from Volvo, in DP stern drive or IPS forward looking duo propeller pods. Above is the rendering image of the open version of the 430, named as was the case for the similar 370 sibling Sport. The Nord West 430 Sport is in all identical to the Sports Top minus the hard top, offering more aggressive looking exterior looks provided by the forward facing radar arch. Not to worry but if you prefer a head in the air driving experience the 430 Sport is only aggressive looking outside offering the luxury of the Sports Top and its all important choices, as the three versions for the lower deck, and Volvo IPS pod or DP stern drive option. Performance data has not yet been communicated but expect figures in the mid thirty knots with the bigger choices from both propulsion's, with the stern drive being faster and more economic, and the IPS easier to handle in a marina. Excellent performance coupled with high standard of finish and new levels of excellence are Nord West welcoming tickets which is also confirmed by the fact that orders have already been signed by clients for the new 430 in both versions. 

www.nordwest.se

New Model: Ferretti 740

Ferretti presents the new 740, a revised version of the 731 launched in 2004. The new 740 presented in Genoa few weeks ago adds larger view windows to all the four cabins below, has a revised interior main saloon layout which goes for a more traditional Italian style plan, and is available if desired with a hard top option as pictured above. Changes in the main saloon are back to the past with this new layout gaining more space versus the minimal orientated plan of the 731. The change in the new version is that now it has a C-shaped settee to port, three person sofa opposite, eight person dining table located to port side, and revised guest view settee in the helm area now postioned along the beam. Galley is the same as for the previous model. Glassed view surfaces play a big part in the new 740 now more aggressive and angled in the main deck, and all big view windows which open up in all of the four guest cabins. Power is from twin MAN V12 engines of 1360 or optional 1550hp. Top speeds are for 31 knots for the standard choice, and 33 knots with the big optional.
Technical Data:
LOA - 22.68 m (74.5ft)
Hull Length - 22.38 m
Waterline Length - 19.40 m
Beam - 5.84 m
Draft - 1.86 m
Displacement - 48600kg unloaded, 57600kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 5500 l
Water Capacity - 990 l
Max Persons - 20
Accommodation - 4 double guest cabins, 1 double crew cabin
Engines - 2 x MAN V12 1360hp, 1550hp
Propulsion - direct in line shaft
Speed - 33 knots max, 30 knots cruise with 1550hp option
Range - 360 nautical miles
Hull Shape - variable geometry vee with spray rails, twelve degrees dead rise aft
Construction Material - multi axial fiberglass Design - Zuccon, Ferretti AYT hull
Certification - 94/25 CE A safeties for 12 persons

www.ferretti-yachts.com

Back to Used

I have decided to start doing this monthly think tank called Blogger, what is a sort of editorial if you want to call it so. Blogger will be featured at the start of each month, hoping this to be also an interesting read for you. This new monthly column starts with a nagging to the editorial of Italian magazine Nautica, written by Lucio Petrone. Now the editorial of Nautica if you can read Italian is always interesting, with an intelligent summary of the market and where it needs to improve. The editorial of October though went a bit off track in its suggested problem solving for the huge number of used boats staggering the market in recent years. Mr. Petrone went on to say that in order to reduce this problem which is slowing the selling of new boats, the Italian government should introduce scrapping incentives similar to those offered in the car industry. His reasoning was that more to cars, building new boats is always profitable for the companies and the state. Yes lets scrap those old boats so the builders keep enjoying the boom enjoyed in the last years!

Now to start comparing boats with cars is never good in all cases. For this is that unlike an automobile, a boat represents usually a second home, in certain circumstances it can also be the first, and the value of it is also to the minimum much more compared with the road vehicle, in purchase and maintenance costs. A boat buying decision is also more or less derived from a passion with many owners doing huge sacrifices to keep there hobby going. Now that the market is full with second hand boats is a fact, that half of these are for sale from passionate owners wishing to upgrade or change is also the other face. I am sure that these owners will be thinking to invest somewhere else if they had the gut feeling that they are buying scrap!

As the other dark side to the boom period of the past years which helped double production to most of the builders, some of these and there dealers over valued trade ins for part exchange with a new boat. Now the builders which did this find themselves in a reduced cash flow and a yard full of used boats. Not an easy situation! For these builders survival will surely be more difficult to those having no liquid capital as are used boats, but instead of waiting for a full blown production to come back soon, what they have to do is to integrate new services as renovation to old models, a concept some builders like Hatteras are doing for example. If they have over flooding of used boats for sale in stock, rumour is that some have about a hundred craft, I think an auction sale system should be introduced by these especially with those models sitting in the yards for a huge period. The market sooner or later will get back in balance and may be this slow down is a bit of a blessing in disguise, as it reduces new boat production, and puts back the fact that a used boat can represent a huge opportunity for a buyer. I think suggesting the scraping of used boats whatever the age just puts more pressure to the second hand market which is as today in its historical lows, although some boats in the past months have been moving.

Monthly News - October 2009

-pic of the month- Tiara Super Grouper

Azimut-Benetti Group Sign with Yacht Brasil

YachtBrasil, a Brazilian company specializing in yacht sales and distribution, has confirmed a partnership with Italian boatbuilding group Azimut-Benetti, which includes the Atlantis brand. YachtBrasil signed the agreement during the recent São Paulo Boat Show, allowing the company exclusive sales and after sales rights for the Italian boat brands throughout the country. Daniele Mitton, Azimut's general manager for the Americas, was impressed by the level of sales at the 2009 São Paulo Boat Show.YachtBrasil maintains that the new partnership with the Azimut-Benetti Group is a significant achievement. The agreement coincides with the ending, by mutual consent, of YachtBrasil's successful 14 year relationship with Intermarine. It operates 12 sales and service bases in Brazil and has also recently become Sea Ray's exclusive importer. Foreign boatbuilders are now retuning to the market despite import tariffs of up to 100 per cent on leisure boats. The rapid rise of the Real which has seen a 36 per cent appreciation against the US dollar since the start of the year combined with a stock market now higher than before the Lehman Brothers collapse are among several positive factors affecting the market. Intermarine, Brazil's leading yacht builder, will continue its partnership with Azimut Yachts, building boats specifically tailored for the Brazilian market.


Baia Makes the Switch to SP Epoxy

As an internationally renowned supplier of composite materials for leading boat builders the world over, SP, the marine business of Gurit, was an obvious choice for Italian boat builder Cantieri di Baia. A selection of SP materials, supplied by SP's Italian distributor Resintex Technology, was used on the new Baia 50 including the leading structural foam core Corecell, and SP's adhesive, laminating and epoxy systems. Cantieri di Baia chose to make the switch from polyester and vinylester to SP's epoxy for the build of the Baia 50 because epoxy resin systems are now being consistently adopted for high-performance structures requiring ultimate weight efficiency and durability. PRIME™ 20LV, SP's epoxy system designed for infusion technology, was used because of its very low viscosity which contributes to short infusion times and optimum fiber impregnation as well as providing very good stiffness properties and an excellent laminate quality. The switch was an effective solution for the new Baia 50, with Cantieri di Baia estimating a resulting weight reduction in the order of 25% out of 4.2 tones of structural weight for the hull.


Brunswick Names President Boat Group

Brunswick Corporation has announced that it has named Andrew E. Graves, 50, president to its Brunswick Boat Group. Graves most recently served as president to US Marine and Outboard Boats for Brunswick. Graves now will also have responsibility for the operations of Sea Ray and Meridian. He will continue to report to Dustan E. McCoy, chairman and chief executive officer of Brunswick Corporation. Most recently, Graves was president for US Marine and Outboard Boats, a position he assumed in 2008. Mr. Graves joined Brunswick in 2005, originally as President Freshwater Group. Before coming to Brunswick, Graves was President of the Dresser Flow Solutions business of Dresser, Inc., a leading maker of valves and control solutions for the oil and gas industry. From 2001 to 2003, he was president and chief operating officer for Federal Signal Corporation. Prior to 2001, Graves held positions of increasing responsibility with CNH Global, N.V., and FMC Corporation.


Cigarette Celebrates 40 Years at Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

Diversity is one of Cigarette Racing Team's strong suits--as well as its long-time reputation for building the most recognized, top-quality performance boats in the industry. Celebrating 40 years of its star-studded history, Cigarette comes to the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show, displaying nearly every boat in its model line, which has grown significantly over the years. From the iconic 38 Top Gun to the 50' Marauder, Cigarette demonstrates responsiveness to its customers' desires and lifestyles-whether it is an entry-level top-notch powerboat or the biggest Cigarette in the marina. Each Cigarette shows the same commitment to quality construction, reliable operation and service--all with a painstaking eye for detail, from the inside to the outside, from rigging and instrumentation, to upholstery and paint.


CRN with the Luxury Network

The Luxury Network, the next generation of marketing for luxury brands, is launching into the Italian market. CRN Spa, the premium brand in the Ferretti Group portfolio, is the Main Partner while Condé Nast, prestigious editor of magazines and web sites, joined as the Media Partner. The three companies are already collaborating together to introduce the network within the luxury business community in Italy. The Luxury Network is today the most exclusive and proactive private marketing club for luxury brands and high end service providers. All members work together, at senior director decision making level and in a non competitive environment, for mutual business and client development through a joint prequalified high net worth target audience. The Luxury Network’s objective is simple: to create unique partnerships by facilitating co-operation and new business development activities between high end companies via affinity marketing, co branding, sponsorships, product placement, joint collaborations, lifestyle projects, B2B and B2C sales and networking events.


Formula Team on the Road to Doha Qatar

Formulaboats.com teams U-5 and U-7 are traveling to the final race of the ABRA season in Doha, Qatar. The second race of its kind to take place outside the United States of America, the event takes place on November 19-21, 2009, in Doha. Three titles - the Oryx Cup UIM World Championship, the Series Champion Team and the Series Champion Driver - will be up for grabs at what promises to be a thrilling race weekend in Qatar.

Formula on Twitter and Facebook

Start following Formula on Twitter and catch up on the US builder most recent happenings. On our Twitter site, Formula updates on current sales and promotions, upcoming boat shows and more. Newest "tweets" include online magazine covers, Boating World's 240 Sun Sport performance test happening this week and the BoatTest.com 400 Super Sport test. Formula also added a Facebook fan page. Formula recently updated the fan page with more pictures and videos. The Facebook page makes it easy to start chatting with other Formula Fans on the message boards. Topics range from favorite onboard snacks to favorite places to boat to helpful cleaning tips. Be on the lookout for photo contests–winners get in the Action and on the Formula website. Get in touch and stay in touch with Formula and Formula fans on the world renowned Facebook and Twitter networks.


Fountain to Keep Assets

Fountain Powerboat Industries has been allowed to reorganize and retain its assets. A US bankruptcy judge last Friday voided the sale of the company's assets to FB Investments LLC and instead allowed Fountain to reorganize. Liberty Investments will be its major shareholder, and Reggie Fountain Jr will continue to serve as its CEO and president. Liberty, the major shareholders of the Donzi and Pro-Line brands, will help the company pay off creditors. Oxford Investment Group, which owns FB Investments, will be Fountain's major creditor. Fountain owes Oxford US$19.6m after it purchased Fountain's bank note from Regions Bank for US$6.5m. The bankruptcy court ruled that Fountain would make monthly payments of about US$29,000 to pay off the debt. Fountain said the company will start taking new boat orders, but still has challenges in the off-season. Fountain told the court during testimony that the company has made about US$991m in sales since it started over 30 years ago, and has paid US$247m in salaries. Fountain said he hopes that Liberty will keep his former company, which includes the Fountain and Baja brands, in its current location.


Genmar to Sell Assets

In a letter to dealers, Genmar President and CEO Roger R. Cloutier said the company has concluded that a sale of Genmar’s assets will result in the most favorable outcome for the parties affected by its bankruptcy. Cloutier said the company is taking actions, including the filing of certain bankruptcy court motions, to ensure the asset sale process is affected in a timely and efficient manner to allow Genmar and its boat businesses to move forward. The process will move quickly over the next several weeks, according to Cloutier, and more updates are forthcoming.


ISA Zero Emissions

ISA Yachts present an environment friendly motor yacht, with the innovative 390 Zero. Developed in cooperation with Siemens SPA and Mar Quip BV specialized in diesel electric and exhausts gas respectively. The main target of ISA and its partners is to reduce the environmental impact of diesel engines and improve comfort on board in all operating conditions. Catalyst on all diesel engines propelling and generator are all connected in conjunction with a particle filter, assuring a total control of gas emissions and thus reducing drastically substances which injure the environment, soot particulate as well as diesel odor. The zero emission modes is part of this system and reflects ISA reply to clients expectations in order to make environment friendly super yachts.


Maritimo Receives ISO 9001 Certification

Maritimo has been awarded ISO 9001 certification for its quality management systems. CEO Bill Barry-Cotter said the company undertook the stringent ISO process to ensure consistent high quality boats for all customers. Maritimo Warranty manager Greg Swain said the company began the ISO certification four years ago as the company began to expand. Mr Barry-Cotter said that ISO 9001 certification is becoming increasingly important in overseas markets as well in Government contracts. Maritimo must now undergo an independent audit of its management systems every six months and re-apply for certification every three years.


Menorquin Presents New Communication Theme Slow Yachting

In the midst of preparing the upcoming Barcelona Boat Show, between 7 and 15 November, the Spanish boatyard Menorquin is working very hard to coordinate the presentation of its boats as well as designing the activities agenda for the show. In this year’s edition, the boatyard will present the business plan the company will take this season, including the initiative it will put in place in order to strengthen the genuine values that identify this brand: Enjoy the sea without being rushed, savoring every moment. To define this tendency, the boatyard has chosen a new claim, Slow Yachting; this expression reveals a new philosophy for sailing and understanding recreational boats.

Menorquin Presents Open Doors to the Sea

After the Barcelona Boat Show comes to an end, those who are interested in learning more about the peculiar style of sailing in Slow Yachting on board a Menorquin Yacht can sail the model of their choice in the sea. This will occur during the Open Door to the Sea Days that Menorquin have organized at Masnou for 20, 21 and 22 November. This Menorquin open days represent a relax way to view more in detail the product and at the same time being delivered a better knowledge of the cruiser and yachts by the Spanish Island yard staff.

Menorquin on Twitter

Seeking new ways to keep in touch with its clients and friends Spanish boat and yacht builder Menorquin has added a Twitter page. This comes along the Facebook fan page which the company launched in the end of summer. Facebook and Twitter are the latest way to keep in touch with friends, and clients. By adding these Menorquin shows that it wants to keep in contact with its client and the passionate people who like there product, more as friends more then just a customer to sell a boat.


Mustang Buys Warren Moulds

Australian Mustang Marine has revealed that it has recently purchased the moulds of Warren Yachts' 77ft and 87ft models or the S77 and S87 Sport Yachts. The moulds will allow Mustang to apply the European styling found in its existing range to larger vessels. Mustang is also planning to expand its range of smaller boats, with design work underway to release an entry-level cruising range in 2010. Based on Queensland's Gold Coast, Mustang Marine has more than 35 years' experience building sports cruiser, flybridge and coupé powerboats. The range is exported throughout the world. Warren Yachts builds luxury motor and high performance yachts from 23m-37m (77ft-120ft) in length.


Princess Yachts in Sunday Times Top Track 250

Princess Yachts is one of Britain’s top performing companies, according to the Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 annual league table, which was released in a supplement with the Sunday Times on the 11th of October. The Company has been included for the first time with annual sales for 2008 of £206.6m, up from £195.6m on the previous year. Chris Gates, Managing Director said he is delighted that the company has been recognized nationally in The Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 league table.

Princess Support from Lloyds TSB

Following the news earlier this year that Princess Yachts is to begin building a new range of super tri deck yachts of over thirty metres, the UK boat builder today revealed that it is receiving "financial guidance and support" from Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets on various international trade issues. Princess is currently working on the design and manufacture of its new M Class series, the Princess 32m (105ft) and Princess 40m (130ft), at its newly acquired site at Devonport Dockyard, Plymouth. The two yachts will be Princess Yachts' first-ever, tri-deck models, and were designed to meet customer demands for increasingly larger, high-performance vessels. Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets provides financial banking and advisory services to businesses and organisations with a turnover of £15m and above.

Regal Hires New Marketing Manager

Regal Marine has hired Mark Kellum as its marketing manager, the company reported in a recent statement. Kellum’s responsibilities include assisting Regal's leadership team in developing and deploying marketing strategies and tactics, as well as providing design and development expertise for marketing collateral, ad campaigns, public relations and media relations, the company explained. Marks background includes five years as vice president of creative for Kenton Smith Advertising and Relations. He also owned and managed a boutique advertising and marketing company for over 10 years with national and international clients such as Red Lobster, Olive Garden, AAA, GE Financial Services, Harvest Insurance Companies, Harcourt Brace and many others.


Riviera Star Performers

Going the extra mile is all in a day’s work for Cassandra Meyers and Sean Drysdale who were named Riviera’s Star Performers for the third quarter. The Star Performer awards have been running for more than 10 years and recognise outstanding employee contribution. Executive assistant Cassandra Meyers put her heart and soul into organising the Sanctuary Cove and Sydney International Boat Shows, the most significant events on Riviera’s domestic calendar; that even a broken ankle couldn’t hinder her commitment to seeing the job through. Director of brand and communications Stephen Milne commended Cassandra for her dedication, support and ‘can do’ attitude. The star performer award for occupational health and safety went to Sean Drysdale, cabinet-maker and joiner. Sean was nominated by joiner shop supervisor Des Davidson who described him as a role model. Outside of work, Sean enjoys building electric guitars and has made about 12 to date. He is also an avid triathlete. Cassandra and Sean will vie for the overall Star Performer of the Year award, selected by the Riviera senior management team, which will be announced in December.


SanLorenzo Announces 2009 Financial Results

Italian yacht builder Sanlorenzo says it has bucked the trend for two-figure drops in sales, limiting the contraction to six per cent in 2009. The boat builder estimates that its sales volume for 2009 will total €170m, with an EBITDA of €18m, a drop of 25 per cent. Sanlorenzo says that the drop in profitability can be attributed to the depreciation of used boats in 2009. In 2008 Sanlorenzo generated a turnover of €180m and an EBITDA of €24m. Sanlorenzo says is has 'maintained a good margin' on its yachts, dropping from 14 per cent in 2008 to 11 per cent in 2009. The boatbuilder says that it has not adopted a policy of aggressive discounts offered by some other boat brands. Sanlorenzo forecasts an increase in turnover of 18 per cent to €200m in 2010. The company's order portfolio represents 66 per cent of this estimated budget, while its brand representatives have no stock. In 2010 an extension project will begin at Sanlorenzo's Ameglia headquarters, expanding the working area to 100,000m2. The total investment for 2010 will amount to €20m. Sanlorenzo employs 250 people directly and 900 workers indirectly. The company produces yachts at Viareggio and Ameglia in Italy.


Sea Ray Adds Dealers in Important Markets

Sea Ray Boats is driving performance and improving its position as the leader in the recreational boating market by adding a highly distinguished and award-winning group of dealers to its world-renowned sales and service network. Not long after announcing the signing of six premier dealers in August, the company is now pleased to announce the signing of eight additional dealers in important markets ranging from California to the Mid-Atlantic States to Canada.

Sea Ray Give Promotion

Brunswick has today announced that it has named Robert J. Parmentier, 48, president Sea Ray Group, and Terry D. McNew, 47, executive vice president product development and engineering, manufacturing and quality, concentrating on the Sea Ray, Bayliner, and Meridian brands. Both actions are effective immediately, and both Parmentier and McNew will report to Graves. Parmentier most recently was executive vice president - Sea Ray, overseeing a wide range of responsibilities, including that of the Meridian yacht brand, which was integrated into Sea Ray in 2008. Parmentier will retain responsibility for the Meridian brand, as well as assuming P&L responsibility for Sea Ray. Parmentier joined Sea Ray in 1982, and has held a number of positions of increasing responsibilities over the years at both the plant and headquarters levels for Sea Ray. Prior to his most recent assignment, Parmentier had served as senior vice president - operations as well as senior vice president - general manager of Sea Ray. McNew most recently was senior vice president product development and engineering (PD&E). McNew has spent most of his more than 20 years in the recreational boating industry with Sea Ray, beginning his career at Brunswick's PD&E facility in Merritt Island, Fla. He then progressed steadily through several key manufacturing roles before ultimately assuming the position of Sea Ray vice president - manufacturing in 2001. He left the company in 2004, to become president and chief executive officer of Correct Craft Boats in Orlando. McNew returned to Brunswick in 2006. Along with these developments, Brunswick noted that Richard C. Stone, president Sea Ray Group, will be leaving the company. Stone has led Sea Ray since 2006, and had held a number of positions since joining Brunswick in 1985.


Sunseeker Employees Organize 24 Hours Kayak Challenge

Forty-two people took part in a 24-hour canoe kayak challenge around Brownsea Island in Poole, Dorset recently to raise more than £6000 for the family of Sunseeker International employee Kev Baker, who announced to colleagues last month that he is battling an incurable brain tumour. The round-the-clock fundraising event was organised by Sunseeker International employees Steve Godfrey and Darrin Gale, who are great friends of Kev and who have worked with him for many years in the shipyard 3 department at the Poole-based company. It is hoped that the money raised will help towards the laser treatment that Kev has now begun in an attempt to reduce the speed of the tumour's growth. The event took place on September 25th from 6pm, and those participating either canoed or kayaked the 7.98 kilometres from the starting point of North Haven Yacht Club, based in Sandbanks and then around Brownsea, a peaceful island of woodland, in Poole Harbour. All participants completed the route at least once and many completed several laps. Scott Rowland, a good friend of Kev Baker, managed a total of seven laps, covering a total of 55.86 kilometres. One lap of the island was expected to take anything from 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the experience and the size of group, but the best time achieved, by 2 groups, was 1 hour 20 minutes. Additional activities during the event, held to raise further funds, included the sale of refreshments and a competition to win a family ticket to a Christmas pantomime which was kindly donated by the Sunseeker Social Club. Entrants had to estimate the total distance covered by all participants during the event, and the prize was won by Sam Piesley who correctly guessed the distance of xx kilometres. Steve and Darrin are now considering plans for another fundraising event to be held next summer.

Sunseeker Supports National Lifeboat Service

Sunseeker International has supported the Royal National Lifeboat Service (RNLI) by supplying Sunseeker merchandise, including a number of jackets, caps and ski hats, polo shirts and fleeces, as an auction prize for its recent Mudeford Lifeboat charity Ball. The Sunseeker prize contributed towards the total monies raised during the fundraising event, which exceeded £21,500.00. The RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat Station operates from a boathouse on the picturesque Mudeford Quay in Christchurch, Dorset and carries out a variety of lifesaving rescues throughout the year.


Tiara Delight in Panama Fish Tournament and Super Grouper

Tiara Yachts owner Felix Fallabella, fishing his 3900 Convertible M/Y Revulu, was the only participant out of 65 boats to bring in a Blue Marlin at the recent Panama Fishing Tournament, II Torneo Internacional de Pesca Arq. Andres Lopez Pineiro. Weighing in at over 500 pounds, the big blue took 38 minutes for Felix to boat. In addition, the Revulu catch included a Spanish mackerel, Snapper, Amberjack, Dorado and Wahoo. Congratulations to Felix and his crewmates on a very successful Tournament, and best of luck in the future (Felix tries to fish at least 4 Tournaments a year). In another tournament Tiara customer Daniel Munyan, fishing aboard the Team Galati 4200 Open, recently landed a new IGFA World Record (130 lb. line class) Black Grouper. Hooked off Anna Maria Island, Florida, the heavyweight champion weighed in at 63.7 pounds, over 12 pounds more than the previous World Record. The champ fought for 15 minutes before being TKO'd. Congratulations to Dan Munyan and Team Galati!

New Model: Italcraft X90 SC

Italcraft launch the much expected X90 SC and continue to offer large Super Sport Yachts with a semi custom build attitude. Renowned for its hulls who come from the never ending testing in the military field, this Italian brand has always been among the first for technological achievements below the waterline. Now with the new 90 model, Italcraft challenges the future above, with architect Caputi taking a very modern design approach to the super structure. The X90 SC is the first Italcraft to offer also the latest fashion trend for sport yachts with a flybridge that does not disturb the sporty lines, and suited for a driving in the air experience. Hull number one for the 90 is slightly different to the design project renderings shown last year, with small changes visible in all areas but the main deck showing the most with the much expected circle shaped patio door which had to make half of this area become open missing and now replaced by a standard fiberglass structure with minimal side windows, a patio door and integrated stair case for the flybridge. The sunpads layout in the cockpit also differs now being of a standard central sunbed aft instead of the proposed three, and the same is on the flybridge, and on the fore deck. The rest of the project seems pretty close to the reality of what the design rendering showed with the forward windshield extended windows giving a sunroof which adds natural light to the lower helm and saloon, glassed parts in the side bulwarks, as well as the forward sunpad and settee on the fore deck. The lower deck also received some changes with the crew cabin located to aft and not to fore of the lower deck, and herewith including a lobby as well as the galley. The forward part of the lower deck now has the four en-suited cabins, with owner stateroom to midship, VIP to fore, and two double guest cabins in between. Still these changes might have been proposed by the owner and it would be no surprise to see hull two reflecting totally what was shown on the project renderings. Performance data has proved to be better then expected with the X90 SC reaching speeds of 45 knots, 5 knots more then anticipated with the twin MTU 2400hp and Top System surface drives.
Technical Data:
LOA - 27.60 m (90.5ft)
Beam - 6.49 m
Draft - 2.05 m with propellers
Displacement - 72 t loaded, 61 t light
Fuel Capacity - 9000 l
Water Capacity - 1500 l
Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 4 crew berths
Max Persons - 18
Engines - 2 x MTU V162000M93 2400hp
Propulsion - Top System TS105 surface drives
Speed - 45 knots max, 36 knots cruise
Range - 350 nautical miles
Design - Gianluca Caputi
Certification - RINA CE A

www.italcraft.it

PowerYachtBlog Best of 2009 Nominated

Projects: Princess V52, Princess V56, Princess V72, Princess 72 Motor Yacht

Princess yachts comes from a successful period being one of the few boat builders who did the last financial year with an improvement. The British builder had a year where it presented three new models in 2009. In 2010 the Princess challenges the market with four new models: three V series, one Motor Yacht line, and not to forget the addition of the M Class line of Super Yachts above 100 feet. The first of these new models will be the V52, a Sport Yacht which will be the smallest Princess of the V series line available with an enclosed deck saloon, extending the boating season for full year use. Her accommodation will be a two or three cabin plan: with full beam mid ship owners cabin, VIP cabin to fore, and double bunk third guest cabin or L-shaped saloon. The living on deck offers a large C-shaped settee aft for entertainment Al fresco, and another settee under the hardtop. L-shaped galley is located in the lower deck. Power for the new V52 will be from twin Volvo D11 670hp, with speeds estimates of a max of 35 knots. The new Princess V56 is a further development of the V53, with the main difference being an extension of the length thanks to a hi low bathing platform aft, and now having also the option of a more powerful new Volvo D13 900hp engines. This new option increases the speed to a further two knots, now a max of 38 versus the D12 775hp engines, which is now the smallest option of the V56. For the rest this keeps the same lower deck of the V53, with a three cabin plan having the owners cabin to fore, two guest cabins to mid ship, a C-shaped saloon, and a spacious galley. A more modern oak veneer choice for the interior furniture should also be available for the new V56. Replacing the V70, the new V72 project enhances Princess reputation in modern Sport Yacht offers. Princess V series presented in the mid nineteen nineties have been a good balance of speed, modern looks and accommodation. This new big model in the range, third in size behind the recently launched V85 and V78 will boast an extensive outdoor entertainment space with high facilities on the main deck creating an outdoor indoor experience thanks to the hard top and patio door. Below there is the usual level of accommodation with a three double cabin layout, galley, and double crew cabin aft. Power for the Princess V72 will be twin Cats C32 Acert of 1622hp and 1723hp. Estimates of top speeds are for 39 knots with the bigger choice. The Princess 72 Motor Yacht, replaces the 21M and introduces standards of design, space and quality of execution that the British builder introduced in this 2007 added line. The accommodation is a spacious, light, and elegant offer with four double guest cabins with three heads. Aft is also an additional double crew cabin. Power is from twin MTU 10v 2000M93 1500hp, with top speeds estimates of 34 knots.

www.princessyachts.com

New Model: Rinker 310 Express Cruiser

Rinker present the new 310 Express Cruiser a design who wants to challenge US and European builder in the competitive 31 feet style sport cruiser market. This newly presented model is complete in many ways and was built and designed by the US builder with comfort, functionality and most importantly a competitive price tag all in mind. The Rinker 310 Express Cruiser has also a comprehensive standard equipment list that looks like coming from a bigger boat too, challenging similar sized models with more features in the optionals. Windlass anchor winch, 5 kw generator, electronics. The 310 Express Cruiser cockpit is another spacious affair too, with its pioneering self stowing, gas spring assisted slide out bench that transforms the area from wide open space to a huge sun lounger from a large high capacity L-shaped seating area, all with extreme ease. The 310 Express Cruiser lower deck offers five berths located to fore, astern, and in the saloon. Here comforts, aesthetics and the amenities of a home are felt with fold out couch, TV/DVD players, Air condition with heating, mid seating and the new Skylight guaranteeing natural light inside during day time. Power is from Mercruiser and Volvo, in diesel and petrol gas formats, and with a choice of six different engines starting from twin 190, up to 300hp.
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.13 m (33.1ft)
Beam - 3.20 m
Draft - 0.91 m
Displacement - 5489 kg
Fuel Capacity - 567 l
Water Capacity - 124 l
Accommodation - 5 berths
Engines - 2 x Mercruiser 5.0L MPI 260hp, 350 Mag 300hp, Volvo 5.0GXi 270hp, 5.7 Gi 300hp, D3 190hp, D4 260hp, D4 300hp
Propulsion - Mercruiser Bravo3, Volvo DP
Hull Shape - vee with eighteen degrees deadrise
Certification - CE

www.rinkerboats.com

Project: Jersey Cape 40 Devil Flybridge

After presenting the 45 Devil earlier on this year Jersey Cape continue to expand its line, with the 40 Devil Flybridge adding the fifth model to its family of convertible Sportfish Cruisers. The 40 Devil Flybridge starts with a winning concept thanks to a proven hull from renowned designer's Buddy Davis and Donald Blount, which is followed by the New Jersey builder semi-custom approach for delivering boats to its customers giving them the fishing machine they desire. As with every Jersey Cape construction is of the highest standard too with hand-laid solid fiberglass bottom and cored sides. High quality gelcoat, heavy duty stainless hardware, full bonding system and high gloss teak cabinetry complete the superior construction standard. Lower deck options are for a twin stateroom, or single stateroom plan. Owners cabin is to fore for both options, with the guest cabin being a twin bunk located to port mid ships, which is replaced by C-shaped settee in the single stateroom plan. Available power come from twin Caterpillar or Cummins, from 600 up to 715hp.

www.jerseycapeyachts.com