Project: BlueGame BG40

Italian builder BlueGame continue to present new projects based on its concept of large center consoles, but have much more within and are suited for various uses like cruising, fishing, launch boat, or big tender for a super yacht or a sea side villa. The BG40 is the smallest project so far to come from BlueGame and designer Lou Codega, and company owner Luca Santanella, present a forty footer which represents a similar layout outside and inside to the BG47 but all in smaller spaces. Example of this can be found in the interior which has a similar layout to the bigger sister with two cabins located mid ship, and living area with separate head and C-shaped salon located to the fore part. The cockpit also follows the unique deck layout as seen on the large BlueGame's with full deep wide walk around decks, sun pad aft, and a protected C-shaped settee just behind the helm station. BlueGame has so far presented no options for the outside and inside with only one T-Top version for the exterior fittings, one for the deck, and one for the inside. Codega for the new small Blue Game choose a deeper medium vee of seventeen degrees, versus the twelve of the bigger 47 and 60 models. The novelty for the BG40 is the use of pod drives here the Italian builder choosing ZF Zeus system with Cummins engines. Power is for a standard twin Cummins QSB 380hp or optional 425hp from the same maker. Speed is a max of 32 knots with the standard power, and of 34 knots with the bigger choice.

www.bluegame.it

New Model: Absolute 64

Absolute continue to follow its wave thinking always offering more innovative sport cruisers and yachts. This new 64 from the Italian builder also uses Volvo forward looking IPS pod propulsion, offered on seven out of eight Absolute models. As expected the new 64 has design stints that follow what the 70 flagship presented last year, with only size and spaces making the difference to a similar three cabin, galley below layout. Externally the 64 is also more aggressive looking sport yacht then to the flagship with elegant minimal squarish touches. Taking away the size difference of about a metre and a half in length and one foot at beam, there is not much dividing the two big Absolutes on the lower deck, with all three cabins having there personal en suite heads on the 64, and an L-shaped galley below. You also get a single crew cabin with shower head located at mid ship. The saloon main deck on the 64 is but conservative on layout, offering a C-shaped settee to starboard upon entrance inside and followed by a two person helm station. For the aft deck Absolute also went for a more Mediterranean layout with big sun pad aft, and an integrated L-shaped settee, while to fore for those looking for more privacy in a marina is a five person settee with table. Propulsion continues Absolute use of three or more engine pods, with the Italian builder being the first to experiment with a triple IPS propulsion set up back in 2005 as on its at the time 56 flagship. Just as the bigger 70 the new 64 is powered by quadruple IPS600 D6 435hp, and so far Absolute seems to not offer alternative to this set up, which I am a bit surprised considering Volvo new bigger engine pod series release.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.40 m (66.9ft)

Length - 19.80 m

Beam - 5.15 m

Fuel Capacity - 3000 l

Water Capacity - 650 l

Accommodation - 6 berths, 1 crew berth

Max Persons - 16

Engine - 4 x Volvo IPS600 D6 435hp

Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking dual propeller pods

Design - Absolute Research and Development Lab

Certification - CE B

www.absoluteyachts.com

Project: Galeon 780 Crystal

Just coming from the launching of its new current flagship the 700 Raptor, Galeon continues to upgrade its range to bigger dimensions with the introduction of the 780 Crystal project. Another eight feet plus in size for the Polish Strazyn builder, and only two feet away of what is often referred to as a pocket super yacht. This expansion to bigger sizes has been impressive for Galeon in the last two years with the 640 Fly launched in 2008, followed by the 700 Raptor for this year. So far Galeon is very tight lipped on details for its future flagship, although we can say that the hull mould is in a near to a completed construction phase. If all goes well I give a maximum of two years for this project to be presented for reality. Watch this spot for more.

www.galeon.pl

New Model: Ocean Alexander 68 Pilothouse Motoryacht Series

Ocean Alexander continue to expand its Motoryacht series line by launching the new 68 Pilothouse, which offers a design echoing modernity with a classic touch. Coming from two important novelties in recent times that of launching its important Megayacht Series on the upside scale, and also presenting its entry level Trawler Series explorer yachts range which challenges other famous builders in this new challenging and growing segment. The 68 is a mid range motor yacht which feels like a small ship, and has a semi planning hull which should give medium speeds in the twenty knots region. Inside the 68 Pilothouse Motoryacht layout is a three cabin, with an owner suite located mid ship featuring a separate entrance stair case, and full view circular windows on both sides. A VIP suite is located to fore, and another double guest cabin also with its own bathroom is located to port side. A single crew cabin with single berth is located aft. The saloon is a split level offering an entertaining saloon on the lower level welcoming area, and an open galley, a dining table for six and central located pilot house in the raised area. Worth to note that everything on the 68 feels like coming from bigger sized yachts from the mooring cleats to the feeling large flybridge area which is covered for half of its space by a fiberglass hard top. Power is from twin standard MTU 825hp, up to a more powerful optional choice of 1200hp also by the German engine producer.
Technical Data:
LOA - 21.81 m (71.7ft)

Waterline Length - 18.16 m

Beam - 5.64 m

Draft - 1.52 m

Displacement - 46000 kg

Fuel Capacity - 5300 l

Water Capacity - 1134 l

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew cabin

Engines - 2 x MTU 825hp, 1200hp

Propulsion - in line shaft

Construction - hand laid fiberglass with solid bottom, and Airex PVC core on side

www.oceanalexander.com

Propulsion: Steyr Motors EDS System

This sophisticated mechanical device gives the boat owners the opportunity to engage a mechanical rack mover by a shifting cable in case of emergency. This can be for example a complete breakdown of the board electric system including engine, and engine control panel. Finally the Steyr engine will run the boat home on a safety mode. For the time being there is no other electronically controlled marine engine besides a Steyr Diesel on the market which offers this feature. The EDS guarantees the highest safety standard and makes you independent from any other complicated additional propulsion system. This Steyr option has been developed specifically to satisfy the highest requirements of life and rescue boat builders for their SOLAS related products. There is also a high demand and many inquiries from leisure boat builders and blue water sailboat owner who want to offer the maximum safety available on the market. EDS Mechanical Energy Drive System is worldwide unique and available for the whole range of Steyr Marine Diesel 4 and 6 cylinder engines, based on Mono block and High Pressure Unit Injectors fully developed its own engineering department. It is representing the most innovative and professional backup solution for all kind of applications for commercial and leisure boat operation.

www.steyr-motors.com

New Model: Fountaine Pajot 40 Summerland

French Catamaran specialist Fountaine Pajot presents the 40 Summerland, its third power model to go into production. Designed for cruising by Joubert-Nivelt also the designers for the previous two power catamaran models to come from the French builder, the new 40 Summerland offers great comfort in terms of navigation and life on board, featuring open spaces, a sheltered cockpit, and direct safe access areas which make for easy relaxing trips. The flybridge of the 40 Summerland offers a full relaxation area equipped with a sundeck, wide seats and helm station to starboard. Entrance to the interior is through a patio door, here all being flush level with the exterior, making for easy communications with the aft deck outside, and the inside living area. The saloon in the 40 Summerland has well defined areas where you will find the light and comfort of bigger boats, and features a dinette to port which can accommodate six persons, a fully fitted galley opposite to starboard, and the central located main lower helm station. Privacy is a key element for the lower deck of the new medium sized power catamaran Fountaine Pajot. The owners suite located to starboard has a fully independent entrance with its double berth positioned to the beam, a beauty desk, and a private shower head. To port side are two separate guest cabins which share a shower head located in between. The two cabins are a twin single to fore, and a double VIP to mid ship. Standard power for the 40 Summerland is twin Volvo D3 150hp engines, with a higher rated D6 260hp available as optionals. The standard engines give a top speed of 18 knots and a cruise of 13 knots. Fountaine Pajot has also some super numbers for its new medium sized Power Catamaran, which at its best economic 7 knots cruise consumes only 10.6 litres per hour and totals 1000 nautical miles on a tank.
Technical Data:

LOA - 12.19 m (40ft)

Beam - 5.35 m

Draft - 1.04 m

Displacement - 12 t unloaded

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 700 l

Water Capacity - 598

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D3 150hp, D4 260hp

Propulsion - in line shaft

Speed - 18 knots max, 13 knots cruise with D3s 150hp

Range - 500 nm @ 13 knots, 1000 nm @ 7 knots

Design - Joubert-Nivelt, Coste Design & Partners

www.fountaine-pajot.com

New Model: Linssen 25.9 Grand Sturdy Sedan

Dutch boat builder Linssen present the new 25.9 Grand Sturdy distinguished by its full hull. This creates a vast amount of space which the designers have put to good use. The separate fore cabin contains a generously proportioned French style double bed and there is also a separate head shower compartments as well as ample cupboard and storage space. The helmsman’s position and cockpit are on one level, creating a “saloon” of about eight metres squared which gives a pleasant feeling of space. It can be completely opened in fine weather and well protected when the weather is not so good (on one side when windy, if desired) using the handy open cockpit covers all around. Helmsman’s position with bench seat and “co-pilot” seat have been located centrally so that captain and partner can together enjoy a panoramic view while under way. The fully equipped galley unit behind the cockpit bench on the starboard side is positioned practically opposite the large, real leather U-bench with great book-reading position and dinette table. The interior is finished in luxury American cherry wood throughout, which creates an atmosphere of warmth and luxury when combined with the curtains and the attractive floor. Although its ease of operation and compact dimensions make it extremely suitable for short weekend trips, Linssen definitely did not develop the Grand Sturdy Sedan 25.9 as a typical day cruiser, on the contrary it is also well suited to longer stays, particularly because of good storage space availability under the cockpit floor.

Technical Data:
LOA - 8.20 m (26.9ft)
Length Waterline - 6.73 m
Beam - 3.15 m
Draft - 0.90 m
Displacement - 6000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 100 l
Water Capacity - 100 l
Accommodation - 2 berths
Engine - 1 x Vetus 4 cylinder M4.15 33hp
Propulsion - in line shaft
Hull Shape - chine
Construction - LY patented FBFS construction
Certification - CE C Coast

www.linssenyachts.com

Improve-it = Atlantis 50x4

Following its introduction in the Azimut Benetti Group Yachting Gala in June 2008, the 50x4 from the Atlantis brand is now offered with further options and improvements to the inside for the interior, and for its power choices that is the heart of this versatile sport yacht. Atlantis proposes now the 50x4 with a new restyling of the area below decks, which concerns the décor offering more classic taste, and higher quality materials. The 50x4 has also been upgraded with new engine options, now offered with an optional twin Cat C9 575hp choice propelled with aft looking ZF Zeus pods, adding more power to the standard unit of the twin Volvo's 435hp IPS propulsion set up. Performance with this new engine option is for a 36 knots top speed, that is 6 knots more to the standard IPS set up.

www.azimutyachts.com

New Model: Beneteau 30 Antares

For the fall of this year French builder Beneteau decided to change the Antares range with all models over nine meters having there designation change in feet size. For the 30 Antares the French builder decided for a full replacement to the nine series, upgrading and renovating it to a new model. The 30 Antares is an innovative motor cruiser, challenging a size and style of the market, that of an entry level flybridge abandoned today by most European motor boat builders. Designed by Sarazin the new small Antares has modern looks to it with an extended flybridge covering the cockpit and an elegant looking windshield. The new small Antares is also about options giving choice to the buyer of a second central helm station up top with L-shaped settee, or replaced by a fully dedicated entertainment area, with sun pad and settee table. A further S hardtop version with patio door is also in the works, and should be launched before the end of the year. Watch PowerYachtBlog for more information on this project. Inside the 30 Antares is also a comfortable cruiser offering four berths in two cabins plus a convertible extra double bed. The main deck welcomes you in the comfort zone with the C-shaped settee which converts to an additional double berth, galley, and lower main helm station. Below is dedicated to the sleeping quarters with the owners cabin to fore featuring a queen size berth, double bunk guest cabin, and a shower head. Power is by a single Yanmar 380hp, the French Group in recent times taking this more economic choice for its smaller models.

Technical Data:

LOA - 10.22 m (33.5ft)

Hull Length - 9.20 m

Beam - 3.39 m

Draft - 0.95 m

Displacement - 4960 kg

Fuel Capacity - 375 l

Water Capacity - 145 l

Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths

Max Persons - 8

Engine - 1 x Yanmar 6LY3 380hp

Propulsion - shaft line

Construction - sandwich fibreglass, polyester resin with balsa

Project - Sarazin Design, Beneteau Design Team hull

Certification - CE B8, C10

www.beneteau.com

Class 1 - Fazza Hat Trick

Race 1

Fazza completed the double by claiming their fifth win of the season in race 1 of the Class 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, after qualifying in Pole Position earlier in the day. Team-mates Victory 1 finished in second place ahead of Sea Dubai-C.A.M. giving Class 1 debutant Ahmed Al Hameli and Giovanni Carpitella their first Class 1 podiums.

Leading from start-to-finish, Fazza blew away their rivals to finish more than 25 seconds ahead of Victory 1. The win see’s Fazza move ahead of their team-mates by just one point in the World Championship standings.

Despite an impressive start for Victory 1, moving up from fourth to second by the first turn, they were unable to match the blistering pace of Fazza, but claimed their sixth podium of the season, finishing second.

Class 1 debutant Al Hameli and Carpitella, Sea Dubai-C.A.M., claimed an outstanding third place. Making the most of the rough conditions on the start run, they reached the first mark alongside the leaders. They fell behind Maritimo after both had run their initial long-laps but moved back into third when Maritimo stopped on lap 5. On the last four laps they had to withstand a determined charge from Welmax, who were closing the gap with each lap, to claim a thoroughly deserved podium place.

A supercharger failure ended Maritimo 11 race early, having just moved up into third place. The stoppage frustrated the pair as this was the second race in a row that an engine problem forced them to retire when running in a podium position. Welmax put a slow start behind them to take fourth place, less than three seconds off the podium and see’s them move into third place in the World Championship standings. The performance was the all the more impressive by the all-Norwegian crew after a miscommunication had seen them run three long-laps, as opposed to the mandatory two.

A wretched race for Giorgioffshore, after qualifying in an impressive third place, saw them finish fifth. A trim problem on the start run in the rough water outside the island prevented them from staying with the leaders at the start and then a fuel pump problem prevented them from hitting top speed, losing up to five seconds a lap.

Foresti & Suardi – Roscioli Hotels came in sixth place to maintain the consistency of finishing all races this season in the points and maintain their fifth place in the championship. There was also frustration for Victory 7 when a fuel problem ended their race on lap nine when running in third place.

Race 2

Fazza completed the hat-trick by winning race 2 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, to add to their Pole Position and race wins yesterday. Their sixth win of the season came after a frenetic start which saw all boats except Maritimo handed a penalty long-lap for jumping the start. For the third race in succession Victory 1 had to settle for second place behind their team-mates, after a tight battle with Welmax who finished third. Fazza Bin Hendi and Al Zafeen, who have now won seven out of nine races since being paired together at the beginning of the 2008 season, did not have the race all their own way and a coming together on the start run with Victory 1 could have ended their race before it had started. Despite this collision they turned the first corner in the lead and then were able to use their superior speed to pull away, completing the 15 lap course in 41mins 47.60secs, to take the win and extend their World Championship lead to eight points.

Victory 1, who started the weekend at the top of the World Championship standings, just could not live with the pace of the race winners. After the impact with Fazza they found themselves in third place and behind Victory 7 at the first mark. But Victory 7’s gearing problems on the final corner of the first lap, allowed them to pass them, but they were unable to make any impression on Fazza, and had to settle for second place.

A sensational corner at the end of the first lap saw Welmax move up from fifth place to third, overtaking Victory 7 and Sea Dubai-C.A.M in the process. A dramatic hook on the very same corner, a lap later, could have prematurely ended the race for the all-Norwegian pairing, but an exceptional piece of driving by Selmer, prevented that disaster. Having had a frustrating day yesterday the Norwegians were determined to push for second place, setting the fastest two laps of the afternoon, but after feeling a vibration during lap 11 throttleman Tandberg backed off to ensure that they completed the race and claimed a comfortable third place, finishing nearly 34 seconds ahead of Sea Dubai-C.A.M.

A fantastic start for Victory 7 saw them turn the first corner in second place, but the brilliant start came at a cost as they were forced to retire after only one lap due to gearing problems.

Giorgioffshore were also forced into an early retirement, when their transmission failed on lap three. Maritimo will be keen to put this weekend behind too, after another supercharger failure saw them limp around the course on one engine for four laps, before they finally called it a day.

A radio mix-up saw Sea Dubai-C.A.M. take five long-laps as opposed to the mandatory three and one penalty long-lap. In spite of this they were still able to claim a commendable fourth place, making it a fine weekend for the new pairing, who took their maiden podiums in Friday’s race, and move up from eighth to sixth place in the World Championship standings.

Foresti & Suardi – Roscioli Hotels maintained their fifth place in the World Championship standings on 53 points, by claiming fifth place. After the confusion at the start, they found themselves briefly challenging front runners, but lost out as they got caught up in their wake.

The Championship now heads to Dubai for the season finale, 10-12 December, and with both Fazza and Victory 1 in unassailable points positions, the Victory Team has already secured a remarkable ninth Class 1 World title.

The fight for the Class 1 World title is now a straight head-to-head battle between Fazza and Victory 1, with only eight points separating them and two races on their home waters remaining. ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX – race 1

1. Fazza 3 - A Al Zafeen (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) - 00.31.15,20

2. Victory 1 - M Al Mehairi (UAE) / JM Sanchez (FRA) + 00.25,78

3. Sea Dubai - C.A.M. - A Al Hameli (UAE) / G Carpitella (ITA) + 00.58,17

4. Welmax - K Selmer (NOR) / J Tandberg (NOR) + 01.01,05

5. Giorgioffshore - C Zaborowski (NOR) / N Giorgi (ITA) + 01.25,01

6. Foresti & Suardi-Roscioli Hotels - R Lo Piano (ITA) / G Montavoci (ITA) + 1 lap

7. Victory 7 - A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) + 3 laps

8. Maritimo 11 - T Barry-Cotter (AUS) / PV Nilsen (NOR) - DNF

ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX – race 2

1. Fazza - A Al Zafeen (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) - 41.47,60

2. Victory 1 - M Al Mehairi (UAE) / JM Sanchez (FRA) + 00.13,18

3. Welmax - K Selmer (NOR) / J Tandberg (NOR) + 00.26,86

4. Sea Dubai-C.A.M. – A Al Hameli (UAE) / G Carpitella (ITA) + 01.00,69

5. Foresti & Suardi-Roscioli Hotels - R Lo Piano (ITA) / G Montavoci (ITA) + 4 laps

Maritimo 11 - T Barry-Cotter (AUS) / PV Nilsen (NOR) - DNF

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

Victory 7 - A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) - DNF

CLASS 1 WORLD POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP – after round 5 of 6

1. Fazza - 133pts

2. Victory 1 - 125pts

3. Welmax - 76pts

4. Maritimo 11 - 56pts

5. Foresti & Suardi-Roscioli Hotels - 53pts

6. Sea Dubai-C.A.M - 44pts

7. Giorgioffshore - 43pts

8. Victory 7 - 38pts

9. Qatar 96 - 15pts

10. Maritimo 12 - 12pts

11. Qatar 95 - 4pts

(World Championship points include bonus points allocated to teams for running engines for two consecutive races - one point, per engine, per race)

CLASS 1 MIDDLE EAST CHAMPIONSHIP – after round 2 of 3

1. Fazza - 60pts

2. Victory 1 - 42pts

3. Sea Dubai-C.A.M. - 30pts

4. Welmax - 21pts

5. Foresti & Suardi-Roscioli Hotels - 17pts

6. Qatar 96 - 15pts

7. Giorgioffshore - 14pts

8. Victory 7 - 4pts

9= Maritimo 11 0pts

9= Maritimo 12 - 0pts

9= Qatar 95 - 0pts

www.class-1.com