December 8, 2009

New Model: Morgan 33 Dinghy

Taken over by the Aicon Group in 2007, Morgan Yachts presents the 33 Dinghy, first new model completely designed and built by the new owners. Designed by Italian Alfredo Magazzu together with the yards Style Center, the 33 Dinghy is also the smaller boat on offer from Morgan and in all the Aicon Group. The small Morgan was presented officially in the end of October in Rome, where the small Traditional Cruiser received a lot of consensus and compliments. Traditional in looks the 33 Dinghy can be categorized as a big center console with over night comfort for two. Its uses can be a stylish runabout, a tender for a villa or super yacht, and as a fishing machine thanks to the Sportfish Kit. This last optional adds trawl beam, fishing rod holder on the roll bar, live bait tub, lines stowage, artificial bait compartment, and fishing rods stowage. The 33 Dinghy is also versatile in its looks outside offering the ten distinctive Morgan colors for the hull. Inside the 33 Dinghy offers a double berth for two adults, and a complete shower head. Power is two options of a twin diesel Yanmar 260hp propelled with stern drive, or outboard petrol gas Yamahas 250hp. Both options giving speeds of 45 knots max, and a 35 knots cruise.
Technical Data:
LOA - 9.87 m (32.3ft)
Hull Length - 9.04 m
Beam - 2.90 m
Draft - 0.49 m with propellers
Displacement - 3.5 t
Fuel Capacity - 900 l
Water Capacity - 280 l
Accommodation - 2 berths in 1 cabin
Engines - 2 x Yanmar 6BY 260hp, Yamaha 250hp gas petrol
Propulsion - outboard, stern drive
Speed - 45 knots max, 35 knots cruise
Construction - fiberglass
Hull Shape - vee design
Project - Morgan Style Center, Alfredo Magazzu
Certification - CE B

December 7, 2009

Class 1 - Dubai U.A.E. Preview

After five Grands Prix and eight races, the fight for the coveted Class 1 World title has come down to the wire and will be decided next weekend, 10 -12 December, in the final two races of the season in the Emirates/Dubai Duty Free Dubai Grand Prix. With the Victory Team having already secured a remarkable ninth Class 1 World title, the only unanswered question is which of the Dubai-based team’s two thoroughbreds will emerge victorious on their home waters and in front of a partisan crowd and lift the trophy - Fazza or Victory 1?
Just eight points separate Fazza and Victory 1 in what has been a titanic struggle for supremacy all season, with the Championship lead changing hands race-by-race.
Championship leaders, Fazza will start as marginal favourites and hold the bragging rights for race wins this year with six, but Victory 1 with two wins under their belts, put one over their team-mates in Italy to take the European Championship.
Each outfit knows it can beat the other and that each is capable of lifting the crown, and with Victory Team general manager, Gianfranco Venturelli, stating that there are no team orders, Fazza and Victory 1 are set for one last throw of the dice and the stage is set for a winner-takes-all scenario.
With the title and the runners-up slot out of reach, Norwegian Welmax look poised to take third place in the overall Championship standings. A fourth and a third place, their fourth podium of the year, last time out in Abu Dhabi saw them leapfrog Maritimo into third spot, and they now have the luxury of a twenty-point advantage over their young Australian-Norwegian rivals.
Maritimo who finished third overall in the European Championship standings, on the back of three podium finishes, will be hoping to get their season back on track, and that the technical issues that have blighted their last three outings will not be repeated in Dubai and allow Foresti & Suardi Roscioli Hotels to sneak into fourth place.
The target for Giampaolo Montavoci will be to maintain his remarkable run of consistency and points-scoring finishes, a run that began back in 2007 and extends to 23 races as he targets his highest-ever placing and points-finish in the Championship. Montavoci will race with fellow-Italian, Marco Pennesi, and what would bring a smile to his face is the prospect of rough conditions on the leg outside the Palm, which would give the Italian throttleman and rough water specialist a chance to drag the best out of Foresti & Suardi Roscioli Hotels.
Giovanni Carpitella will be joined in the cockpit of Sea Dubai - C.A.M. by Giorgio Manuzzi - making a welcome return to racing after crashing out in Romania when driving Maritimo 12 as the Spanish Team, Duemme Broker, continue their march up the leaderboard. After finishing fourth in the season-opener, then missing the next two Grands Prix, Carpitella returned to take two top-five finishes in Italy, his first Class 1 podium in race 1 in Abu Dhabi followed by a fourth place, to catapult him into sixth place in the overall standings and third in the Middle East Championship.
Giorgioffshore will line up in Dubai looking to at least repeat their third place finish in the Mina Seyahi Grand Prix in Dubai last year. Nicola Giorgi, partnered by the experienced Christian Zaborowski, has already enjoyed a solid season and a string of good results, and will be confident that the team can improve further and build on their best ever qualifying performance in Abu Dhabi, where they finished on the podium after a scintillating lap put them third quickest.
Outgoing double World Champion, Mohammed Al Marri, who stepped down from racing at the end of 2008, but returned to renew race duties alongside Abdullah Al Mehairbi in Victory 7, will be looking to end their eight-race campaign with a flourish and to add to two fourth place finishes and a podium in Italy.
First official practice takes place on Thursday afternoon (10 December), with a one-and-a-half hour session on Friday morning for practice and qualifying in the Edox Pole Position, followed by race 1 in the afternoon, 54.91Nm - 12 laps, including one long lap.A third and final practice session on Saturday morning is followed by race 2 in the afternoon - with the starting line-up determined by the results of race 1 - 68.96Nm, run over 15 laps, including two long laps - with both races counting for full Championship points.
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.
EDOX POLE POSITION CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 5 of 6
1. Fazza - 84pts
2. Victory 1 - 65pts
3. Maritimo 11 - 43pts
4. Welmax - 41pts
5. Qatar 95 - 35pts
6. Giorgioffshore - 29pts
7. Qatar 96 - 24pts
8. Victory 7 - 19pts
9. Foresti & Suardi - Roscioli Hotels - 14pts
10. Sea Dubai - C.A.M. - 13pts
11. Maritimo 12 – 11pts

Projects: Beneteau 42 Monte Carlo Hard Top, Beneteau 34 Swift Trawler S, Beneteau 30 Antares S

Beneteau go into the market with three projects, one is completely new, and two are a further development or different versions of recently released models. The completely new model is the 42 Monte Carlo Hard Top shown in rendering above. Sitting in between the 47 launched exactly a year ago in Paris, and the 37, the new 42 fills the gap between these models and is also the eighth member in the Sport Cruiser style Monte Carlo range. With lines designed as all the Monte Carlo range by Italian designer Andreani, the 42 is targeted to combine the fantastic technology of Beneteau's unique patented Air-Step hull with an intelligent comfortable layout. What surprises in the 42 Monte Carlo Hard Top project is how it uses elements from both the 47 and 37. For example the central cockpit and helm station are a good reminder of the smaller 37, while the lower deck takes a lot from the 47 with full beam mid ship owners suite, and VIP cabin to fore. Power for the 42 Monte Carlo Hard Top will be from twin Volvo D6 370hp which combined with the Air Step designed by Beneteau Powerboat team of Patrick Tableau, Maud Tronquez, and Remi Laval from Jeantet and an extended plane underwater should provide a good performance. For easy marina manoeuvring the 42 Monte Carlo Hard Top is also available with the new Volvo stern drive joystick system which makes the difficult moves to the inexperienced owner much easier. The second project presented by Beneteau is the 34 Swift Trawler S what is a new version of the 34 Swift Trawler without a driving position on the flybridge. This new S for Sedan version retains all the characteristics of the Swift Trawler 34 and brings a very different functionality to the flybridge level providing stowage for the tender or any other space consuming objects such as bicycles, windsurfers, etc. This space can also be converted into a magnificent king size sunbathing area. Taking away this change the new 34 Swift Trawler S keeps all the other distinct characteristics of a single engine semi planning Explorer Cruiser with two cabins below, an extra convertible saloon berth, separate shower head, and a galley on the main deck. The third project follows the launch of the Beneteau 30 Antares presented in flybridge version at the autumn boat shows. Now Beneteau attention to clients requests prompts its designers to the project of the 30 Antares S, which will be launched in Düsseldorf on January 2010. Designed for cruising, the boat retains all the advantages of the twin cabin 30 Antares, but gets more lively looks thanks to a sleeker super structure without a flybridge. Sarrazin design group have given the Beneteau 30 Antares S modern, sporty lines, and worked with precision to provide this version with a new roof, including two sliding opening panels. This gives the boat a dynamic look, which endows it with a sporty character.

New Model: Airon Marine 4800 T-Top

Paolo Molinari Airon Marine present the 4800 T-Top, first and smaller model of the two big boat projects presented at the start of this year 2009. The new 4800 T-Top replaces the A47, and is also the new current flagship of the Airon Marine line of 14 models. Designed in house and in the family by Paolo Molinari responsible for the hull, and son Tommaso who did the super structure, the 4800 T-Top has a family feeling with the latest introduced models from the Como boat builder as the 4300 T-Top first of the new generation hard top models, and 400 T-Top introduced last year. As the smaller Airon boats flexibility and variations of the internal layouts is key to this project, which can be offered with a two, three or four cabins, one or two galleys, and one or two saloon interior plans. The standard plan is a three cabin layout with full beam owners stateroom, VIP suite to fore, double bunk guest cabin, two galleys, and a C-shaped saloon on the main deck. The two cabin version replaces the third bunk cabin with a second lower deck C-shaped saloon. Needless to say this is impressive and here the Molinari designers are surely taking the full benefits of the IPS propulsion as never seen before. Speeds are also in line with similar sized models with the IPS600 forward looking dual propeller Volvo pods at 435hp each, propelling the 4800 T-Top to top speeds of 35 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.70 m (48.2ft)
Beam - 4.26 m
Dispalcement - 14.5 t
Fuel Capacity - 1100 l
Water Capacity - 450 l
Max Persons - 12
Accommodation - 4, 6 berths in 2, 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS600 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking duo prop pods
Speed - 35 knots max
Design - Paolo Molinari hull, Tommaso Molinari
Certification - CE B

December 6, 2009

Project: Kha Shing MFS 112

Renowned Taiwan Yacht builder Kha Shing Enterprise Co. Ltd. has been working with US based Setzer Design Group on a nineteen and 34 metres design for the new Monte Fino S range. Monte Fino S is a new range of Kha Shing existing Monte line targeting clients who are looking for luxurious Sport Yachts. The all-new MFS 112 addresses traditional yachting needs with new and refined style. With plenty of volume to accommodate large fuel and water storage, as well as generous cabins for owners and guests on the multiple levels. This new design offers up a fresh look complete with all the expected amenities. There are three guest staterooms and one master suite below while the crew cabins and lounge are placed aft of the engine room. A galley and open lounge are forward on the main deck and a generous salon and dining area aft of the pilothouse central zone. An over sized main aft deck is an important feature of the design with its large dining area, bar and sun lounge. The flybridge is multi level and includes seating, bar, grill and hot tub amenities. The interior can also be customized based on owner’s needs. With a beam of close to seven metres and a draft of less then two metres, the MFS 112 hull form will hold ample fuel for extended cruising and yield top speeds from 16 to 26 knots depending on selected engine options.

December 5, 2009

New Model: Sunseeker 88 Yacht

Sunseeker new 88 Yacht is a further development of the 86 Yacht presented in 2008. The new 88 Yacht increases crew accommodation aft, and offers more options in the four cabins below. For example you can choose to have two VIP cabins instead of the usual one, or an owner suite located to mid ships but in the fore part, or more to aft. Also recognizable by the cabin windows which are now integrated and more modern in there design, the 88 Yacht will be co-produced with the 86 for the coming 2010 season, before I think replacing it totally for 2011. Performance for the 88 Yacht with twin 1925hp diesel engines is a 30 knots top speed, and 23 knots cruise, this later giving a 350 nautical miles range.
Technical Data:
LOA - 26.88 m (88.2ft)
Waterline Length - 21.37 m
Beam - 6.41 m
Draft - 1.78 m
Displacement - 71.3 t full load
Fuel Capacity - 7500 l
Water Capacity - 1500 l
Accommodation - 8/10 berths in 4 cabins, 4 crew in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x 1925hp
Propulsion - in line shafts in semi tunnels
Speed - 30 knots max, 23 knots cruise
Range - 350 nautical miles at cruise
Construction - hand laid GRP vinilester skin with powder mat, balsa core sides, PVC deck
Design - Sunseeker Design, Design Unlimited
Certification - CE

December 4, 2009

Improve-it = Bertram 410

Bertram Yacht’s improve its 410 by offering two new extra options which enhance the overall experience while out on the open water. Launched in 2007 the Zuccon designed US built Bertram 410 new options include a lower control station and new advanced forward window design. These full wrap around windows maximize visibility and brighten the interior of the salon, creating an open experience that is perfect for entertaining anytime on the main deck. The lower control station option gives also owners the opportunity to navigate from the comforts of the deluxe salon and benefit from unobstructed views of the open waters, especially when the weather above is not so good. First seen on the 540 in Fort Lauderdale 2008, and followed this year with the 511, the lower windshield design has been a much praised revolution in the new Bertram's, and now the Miami company raises the bar by adding it to its smallest entry level flybridge sportfish cruiser.

New Model: American Custom Yachts ACY68 Traditional

American Custom Yachts recently conducted a successful sea trial of their newest latest launched custom sportfish yacht the 68 foot M/Y Silver Arrow. Featuring American Custom Yachts traditional outline and signature water-slicing hull, Silver Arrow is the first 68 footer and the first ACY vessel to carry the new MTU Series 2000, 2400hp engines. This one of a kind showpiece has been meticulously handcrafted by Fort Lauderdale ACY to meet the owner’s every need. Silver Arrow is loaded with thoughtful custom features, including hand-selected teak throughout the vessel and including all three staterooms and heads, marble counter tops in the galley and vanities, a motorized rod storage locker in the companionway, and an over sized custom refrigerator with freezer. An elaborate electronics package has been installed by IMS American Marine Electronics, including drop down TV’s in the staterooms, a pop-up TV in the salon, and a sophisticated navigation package complementing the eye catching custom tower and hard top by Bausch-American Towers. Final interior detailing is currently underway. Upon completion, American Custom Yachts will conduct additional sea trials to fine tune equipment and optimise the propellers.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.87 m (68.6ft)
Waterline Length - 18.77 m
Beam - 5.94 m
Draft - 1.62 m
Displacement - 41730 kg full load
Fuel Capacity - 9842 l
Water Capacity - 870 l
Accommodation - 7 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 16v2000M92CR 2400hp
Propulsion - in line shaft with ZF gears
Speed - 45 knots max, 36 knots cruise
Design - ACY

INBUILD ~ Galeon 340 Fly Part 2 of 4

We continue with part two of Galeon 340 Fly INBUILD. This new Galeon model after being presented as a project in October is set for its World wide launch coming January in Dusseldorf 2010. With the launching date being so close preparation in Poland for the 340 Fly is going full speed, to take the new model at one of the biggest global boat shows as polished and finalized as much as possible. While the prototype hull number one very rarely is a perfect hundred per cent, Galeon staff was explaining that for them to take a new model to a show a ninety out of hundred standard has to be achieved. Here as the picture shows Galeon glass people are preparing the super structure deck after this was released from the mold. As it can be seen by the masking tape we are observing the finishing touches for the non skid surfaces for the fore part of the deck. This part is usually the most used by the crew for securing the boat in the marina, or dropping anchor in some nice anchorage. While a designer normally sets the position of the non slip surfaces in the project, the yard will normally modify this, seeing fit how a crew behaves on deck, and if some areas tend to come out smaller then accepted, these are increased for major safety. The process of the non skid surfaces is normally seen on hull one, and after that the builder modifies the mold, in order to hurry up the process in the following builds.

December 3, 2009

New Model: Franchini 55 Emozione Open

Basing itself on the 55 Emozione, Franchini present the Open version of this successful model. This new Open represents the third 55 Emozione version, and fourth powerboat in the Franchini line up based on traditional lobster down east hull lines below, and a more Mediterranean Sport Yacht super structure above. There is light difference in the hull looks too, coming from the port holes featured on the ships side instead then on the coach roof as for the standard or fly 55 Emozione versions. The 55 Emozione Open represents a big change of the way to go on the sea, designed for use in the peak Summer season and with wind in your hair experience, as an Open should. The main cockpit deck offers an area of free open spaces added with central settee complimented by a central table dinette, a wet bar located in the centre of this area, and a helm station also located in the middle. Down below we have two cabins, saloon, galley and optional crew cabin. The two suites located to fore and mid ship have a similar size and both have well sized shower heads. Tender stowage is featured in a garage aft. Power is from twin MAN 800hp propelled with traditional reliable in line shafts, which give top speeds of 34 knots and a cruise of 30 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.15 m (56.2ft)
Hull Length - 16.35 m
Beam - 4.82 m
Draft - 1.15 m
Displacement - 19000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 2500 l
Water Capacity - 1000 l
Accommodation - 4 guest berths in 2 cabins, 1 crew cabin berth
Max Persons - 12
Engines - 2 x MAN 800hp
Propulsion - in line shaft
Speed - 34 knots max, 30 knots cruise
Range 350 nm at cruise
Construction - vacuum infusion Scrimp system
Certification - CE A