New Model: Cranchi Sixty 4 HT

With over two thousand deliveries of over twelve metres Cranchi from 1988 since today, it was only a matter of time, thinking and effort for the Italian builder to go over its since the year 2000 reached fifty feet limit and create the new Sixty 4 HT flagship. The official decision to go bigger was taken in 2005, and since then Cranchi built a whole new establishment, its fourth named Seventy Plant Four able to construct boats larger to fifty feet from the new Yacht Class range with extreme efficiency and productive manner. The larger size expansion plan also meant more investment to Cranchi test centre which has been updated with a new marina, and bigger 100 ton travel lift. Cranchi 64 HT over four years in the making has a lot to say in the way it was come up to be. But also in itself has much to tell offering an all inclusive fully over equipped Sport Yacht. This Sport Yacht has more to what a normal yachtsman would ask as standard, and comes complete with more then one would desire like hydraulic bow stern thrusters, water maker, night vision, and aft winches. Then there is the technical unique details to mention with the hardtop made in collaboration with Webasto taking first attention, followed by the fully opening patio to the aft deck, side door by the helm to the side deck, opening side windows in the interior saloon, shower on the fore deck, and up down bathing platform. Worth to note that the main central patio door and side door, have electric opening with a back up manual system for emergency. Spaciousness is also found in this three double guest cabin Sport Yacht, but it is not only measured in centimeters in that or this area, but most notably in compartments which open up everywhere onboard. Here Cranchi never abandoning its small boats heritage sure know a thing or two, and put it to very good use on its new biggest offer. Another first for Cranchi is also the choice of its engines with the 64 HT being powered by twin MAN 1400hp with standard shaft propulsion. This choice moves away from the Volvo marriage the Italian builder has on its smaller models since I can remember. Speeds are for a 35 knots max, with a 32 knots cruise, these being obtained with prototype hull number one which was powered by smaller MAN 1360hp engines. Aldo Cranchi and the yard research and technical department opted for a construction in traditional fiberglass ways with hand laid solid single skin bottom, and sandwich core hull for the sides, and some parts of the topsides.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.85 m (68.4ft)
Hull Length - 18.65 m
Beam - 5.10 m
Draft - 1.50 m
Displacement - 30.5 t empty, 35.3 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 3600 l
Water Capacity - 770 l
Max Persons - 16
Accommodation - 6 guest berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew cabin with single berth
Engines - 2 x MAN D2862 V12 1400hp
Propulsion - shaft drive in semi tunnels
Speed - 35 knots max, 32 knots cruise with 1370hp
Construction - vinilester resins single skin solid bottom, cored sides parts of super structure
Project - Aldo Cranchi, Centro Studi Richerche and Stile Cranchi

www.cranchi.it

Project: Meridian 541 Sedan

Meridian presents project details of the 541 Sedan. This new Meridian will be second in size to this US builder fleet, and flagship of the four model Sedan line. Among the most sold flybridge boats in the US, the Brunswick owned Meridian line has been gaining huge market share in the last years, and the 541 Sedan is a reply for owners demand to remain with the brand. As the above rendering shows the 541 Sedan has European influenced looks with large view windows going from bow to midship on both the main and lower deck. Interesting is also the curved shear line that goes from low just above the bathing platform aft to the bow. Accommodation is for a three cabin layout with a full beam owners suite. Below deck is also space for an utility crew room to midship. The main deck plan does not show an internal lower helm, but so far it is interesting to see the layout of this split level saloon, which has an opposite plan to the norm with an aft galley, dining table upon entrance, and a house like sofa having opposite entertainment centre in the three steps raised area to fore. The flybridge seems also unusual to other European designs of similar size for the fact that it does not offer a sunpad, and has a large wetbar. Standard twin 600hp, or optional 715hp Cummins with ZF Zeus pods will power the Meridian 541 Sedan. The optional Cummins QSM11 715hp ZF Zeus pods combination is also a first exclusive to the 541 Sedan.

www.meridian-yachts.com

33rd Americas Cup - USA BMW Oracle Wins Sports Oldest Trophy

It was again a day of long wait, but the day looked good from the start for the second race of the 33rd Americas Cup. Nonetheless we had to wait close till the time limit to start a race, which is at 1630. At 1614 the postponement flag went down, and the race start time was on for 1626.

The start duel was not exciting as for race one. But still we saw a very surprising error from the Defending Swiss Team who entered the box late and at the wrong side. Again Alinghi5 left the judges with no choice receiving a penalty. After this we saw both boats staying to there respective sides BMWOracle to port side, and Alinghi to starboard. The error in the box entering might have mixed up the Defender which started with a deficit of 24 seconds.

Surprisingly both boats choose a separate direction with the USAOracle going to starboard, and Alinghi to port of the circuits. This early separation reach a distance of three kilometres. Having a five hundred metres advantage and three minutes into the race BMWOracle decides to tack and cover. But Alinghi was on the right side of the course for position and wind. Having better air Alinghi5 catamaran saw its disadvantage decrease and surprisingly go ahead for most part of the first run. Here BMWOracle suffered at times seven hundred metres of deficit to the defender. The lead from the Defender continued until the boats came close to the first turn mark, and here BMWOracle tactician made a perfect call to gybe exactly on the lay line, cross behind Alinghi5, and take the lead seconds later. BMWOracle rounds the first mark by 28 seconds ahead of the very close first run.

From now on we see the Challenger boat extend its lead going over to two thousand metres in some parts, and 2 minutes 44 seconds of advantage by the second mark. The last run saw a cover from the Challenger BMWOracle and crossing the finishing line with a 5 minutes 26 second lead. Of note is the red protest flag which appeared in the Defender boat towards the end of the first leg. The Defender canceled its protest after the end of the race.

BMWOracle is the winner of the 33rd Americas Cup, and this should also bring an end to the legal dispute. This is at least what was verbally promised by the Swiss Defending team. Today started also the rumours for the Challenger of Record for the next 34th Edition with an Italian prominent sport paper saying the Italian Mascalzone Latino is favorite for this title. Now its just to hope that this legally intense 33rd Americas Cup is over once and for all.

www.americascup.com

New Model: Mulder 92 Flybridge

Announcing this order in 2007, Mulder has finally launched its new all aluminium 92 Flybridge. The 92 Flybridge is Mulder's biggest build to date and was made for an Egyptian client. Design was trusted to long time Mulder collaborator Guido de Groot who presented a round-bilged, semi-planing underwater shape, typical to the offers from the Dutch builder. Dr Groot was also responsible for the previous bigger 88 Flybridge plans, and here he follows similar but more modern looking exterior, adding length, and beam to offer more comfort. The Mulder 92 Flybridge is alloy offering a superior customization to owners, unimaginable in any glass fibre Super Yacht of similar size. Powered by twin Cats C18 1015hp engines the 92 Flybidge should achieve top speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 16. Other more powerful engines pushing the speeds up to about 25 knots should also be available.

Technical Data:
LOA - 28 m (91.8ft)
Beam - 6.50 m
Draft - 1.90 m
Displacement - 88000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 16000 l
Water Capacity - 3000 l
Max Persons - 18
Accommodation - 10 berths
Engines - 2 x Cats C18 1015hp
Speed - 18 knots max, 16 knots cruise with Cats C18
Project - Guido De Groot

www.muldershipyard.com

33rd Americas Cup - Challenger BMWOracle Dominates Race One

Finally after two cancelled days last Monday and Wednesday, racing of the first fully multi hull America's Cup got underway today Friday the 12th February. The breezy morning gave hope to the day and it did materialize in real racing at 1434 CET. The reply to the rumours about speed where coming to an end, and we could see the reality of Defender Alinghi 5 catamaran, and Challenger BMWOracle trimaran by dueling.

The start part duel which is five minutes prior the actual match was exciting as ever, with Alinghi closing the way to the starboard right of way BMW Oracle, and receiving a penalty during the entrance. But the excitement was not over as BMW Oracle blocking Alinghi5 was actually immobilized itself and could not move for a minute. While this happened Alinghi5 escaped, went inside the box turned the start mark and got a one minute 27 second advantage and 670 metres of length before the BMWOracle made its way the start line. The start gave a good advantage to Defender Alinghi5. But unfortunately for the defender this was short lived and in less thirty minutes the USA BMW Oracle trimaran made it up to nothing. Only two tacks and twenty miles upwind the US boat continued to show its power adding further metres before the turn of the top mark, where Alinghi5 had a deficit of three minutes 21 seconds. Before the mark commentators where stating that in most probability the down wind leg should give advantage to the defender, being the catamaran lighter to the US trimaran. An advantage which did not materialize and again we saw the BMWOracle thrashing the Swiss boat and adding its distance close to the four thousand metres mark. Just to add more pain to the Defender when doing the penalty before the finish line, Alinghi did not cross it properly and had to cross over again adding a further five minutes to the deficit which finished a total of 15 minutes 28 seconds.

The first of the best of three races in mostly light wind has shown a superior power from the US Trimaran Challenger and it will take something big from the Swiss Defender to haul this deficit which in today's conditions had an average of 10% advantage. Today's average ten knots breeze showed the US BMWOracle trimaran more power in both up and down wind legs, and that it can ride closer to wind angle. Next race now is scheduled for Sunday with a forecast wind of Force 4 to 5. We will see if the judges give way to racing in this wind for round two, and what Alinghi 5 can do for itself to make it competitive.

www.americascup.com

Project: Sky 18,66 m Space

Magellan Marine is a new company founded in Liechtenstein and presents its first project model the eighteen metre Space. A list of new names surrounds this first project from this small North European country starting with the concept from Peter Mintel, naval architecture by Andrew Lea, and design by Maximillian Kolb. The Magellan Space will have an axe bow concept which according to its builder should reduce vertical acceleration by as much as 50%. Other novelties is a dual panelled glasses with integrated solar panels used for the hard top and cabin deck to fore. The Magellan Space looks like an out of the norm concept mixing live aboard solutions with a fast hull able to achieve 35 knots of top speed. The interior plan offers a twin double cabin layout, with midship owners stateroom, and VIP suite to fore. A three cabin plan is also available on request. Worth to note is that the renderings also show a very comfortable living saloon, with galley bar unit, chaise lounge, C-shaped sofa, and huge views from big windows which surround all of the main deck area. Construction will be of alloy and the production is limited up to 33 units all customisable to owners wishes. Power is from standard twin Volvo IPS900 or optional triple units of the same drive engine.

www.sky-yachts.com

New Model: Maritimo A50 Aegean Flybridge

Maritimo presents the more standard to the eye version of the A50 Aegean called the Flybridge. First presented as the Enclosed version with upper bridge, the A50 Aegean Flybidge takes a similar stance to its more all weather sister, and features more standard forms. The A50 Aegean Flybridge has in fact a standard proposition of a dual helm station, inside on the main deck, and open air on the fly. The flybridge being the main difference to the other version gives you a central helm station, L-shaped settee to port, and a bunk for three persons to starboard. Aft of the flybridge, is left free to use as one desires. The maid deck of the A50 Aegean Flybridge has a similar layout to the Enclosed, with the difference that to starboard we have the interior commanding station, in replacement of the internal staircase. The staircase of the Flybridge version is outside in integrated fiberglass mould. Identical to the Enclosed the lower deck accommodation plan is for a three cabin five berth two heads layout. Owners suite to port mid ship, VIP to fore, single guest cabin and head number two to starboard. The A50 as the bigger Aegean sisters has the rare uniqueness to find for a flybridge motor yacht tender garage solution. The beam and draft dimensions of the hull give away that most probably the under waters of the A50 are very similar to all of the Maritimo Aegean, full range of Sports Cabriolet, 48 / 52 Cruising Motor Yacht, and 500 / 550 Offshore Convertible. Power is from twin Volvo D12s 775hp each which should give an economical 25 knots cruise.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.11 m (52.8ft)
Beam - 5.2 m
Draft - 1.3 m
Displacement - 22 t
Fuel Capacity - 3000 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Accommodation - 5 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D12-800 775hp
Propulsion - line shaft 9 degrees angle
Speed - 25 knots cruise
Hull Shape - variable deadrise vee

www.maritimo.com.au

Project: Luhrs 33 Open

Luhrs present the project for a 33 Open model. Scheduled to be launched the coming Spring this Sportfish Cruiser will be the first built at the Millville, New Jersey plant. Luhrs 33 Open should represent a smaller mirrored example as the latest model from the US builder that was the 37 Canyon Series launched in the fall of 2008. As most of Luhrs boat the 33 Open will feature hardcore fishability with details such as an in transom live well, plenty of in-deck fishbox storage, and intelligently-designed swivelling cockpit seating. Below details or layout plans have not been shown yet, but accept the usual good comforts you've expect from Luhrs. Power, propulsion and speed estimates have so far not been presented.

www.luhrs.com

New Model: Costes 58 Galatea

Costes presents its first model with the new 58 Galatea of what is a nice looking sport yacht. This new Italian boat builder founded by four entrepreneurs with operating offices in Milan, and the building shipyard on the island of Sicily in Trapani heads to compete for one of the most difficult yacht size style market segments. The 58 Galatea is designed by architect Marco Bonelli, with the piloting station coming from the renowned Giugaro firm. Bonelli concentrated his efforts to offer spacious cabins with a minimum height requirement of 1.9 metres in all the lower deck. The interior comes in a three double cabins six berth, or a two cabin four berth plan choice. In the last case the owners get a full beam master cabin. In the three cabin version the owner cabin moves to fore, a VIP suite to midship starboard side, and twin bunk cabin to port. The VIP and third guest cabin share also the head in this plan, with an entrance from inside the cabins. Below you also get a C-shaped sofa, and galley. While the exterior looks of the first Costes sport yacht gets high praise, I still think that the interior was more planned for a two cabins especially to what regards the shower head sharing plan in the six berth layout. A small crew cabin for a single person with head is available at the bow tip. The Costes 58 Galatea reaches top speeds of 42 knots, and a cruise of 34 knots with the big Cats C18 option, aided with Arneson's efficient surface drive propulsion.

Technical Data:
LOA - 17.95 m (58ft)
Beam - 4.70 m
Draft - 1.00 m
Displacement - 25 t
Fuel Capacity - 2800 l
Water Capacity - 700 l
Max Persons - 12
Accommodation - 6/4 berths in 2 cabins, 1 crew berth cabin
Engines - 2 x Cats C15 Acert 865p, C18 1015hp
Propulsion - Arneson SD12 Surface Drives
Speed - 42 knots max, 34 knots cruise with C18
Range - 360 nm at cruise
Project - Marco Bonelli, Giugaro helm station
Construction - fiberglass, kevlar

www.costesyacht.it

Improve-it = Chris-Craft 25 Corsair

Chris-Craft presents a rich update improvement to its 25 Corsair model. The 25 Corsair is the second small in size of this timeless sport boat with overnight accommodation range. Chris-Craft decided to spice up the 25 Corsair and making it as classy looking as ever, by adding teak wood outside, and extended the bathing platform aft. The teak is in fact featured on all the deck, including the sides, fore, and aft. Chris-Craft also upgraded the seats of the 25 Corsair to more luxurious looks and feel. Surely the unique feature which made the 25 Corsair classy looking are still here like its automobile style windshield, and the deep vee twenty degrees hull. In its small cuddy cabin below the 25 Corsair offers a double berth, and a portable head. Not bad for such a sleek sport boat. Standard power is from a single Volvo or Mercury power, with petrol or diesel choices starting from 260hp up to 425hp.

www.chriscraftboats.com