Improve-it = Aicon 64 Fly

Aicon decides to update and improve the 64 Fly model showing attention to its clients demands and at the same time maintaining the characteristics which have determined its success since being launched. The model displayed at this year’s boat shows has been enhanced with details which make it unique. Enriching details, from the teak ceiling of the cockpit as in the larger models of the Aicon range to the teak inserts which refine the exterior, upper part of the fairleads on the wale side, to the gold coloured inserts which characterize the two sides of the cockpit up to the ample flybridge now using all its space for entertainment, and the bathing platform equipped with tender lift. The Aicon 64 was designed by the company Style Center and Marco Mannino offering the owner and his guests sailing with relaxation thanks to a rational and harmonious use of space, in both the interior and the exterior. The Flying bridge, which has been made even more spacious and elegant, the saloon, dining area, galley are independent, and luxurious cabins are equipped to satisfy the needs in total comfort. The elements of design, such as the large, rounded, openable portholes, the elegance of the furnishings and the prestige of the details combine to define and exalt the livability of space aboard the Aicon 64 Fly. One of the most successful models in the Aicon fleet, the 64 Fly has proved popular thanks to a three or four guest cabins choice, nice exterior lines, and thirty knots performance.

www.aiconyachts.com

Propulsion - Volvo IPS1050, IPS1200

In 2005, Volvo Penta’s pioneering IPS system created a completely new marine segment, so-called pod installations. With forward-facing and efficient propellers, the IPS system is the undisputed market leader in pod installations, and has created an alternative to traditional shaft installations. The first stage of the IPS system was based on Volvo Penta’s 4 and 6-litre diesel engines. Last year, two new power classes were launched with larger drive units based on Volvo’s 11-liter engines. This year, Volvo Penta is launching a third stage based on the Volvo Group’s 13-litre engines. The two new IPS drive packages generate the equivalent of 1,050 and 1,200 horsepower, respectively, compared with conventional inboard installations. This means that Volvo Penta can now offer the IPS system for boats all the way up to 100+ feet. The engine for the new power classes is Volvo Penta’s 13-liter engine equipped with dual-stage turbo technology, the D13, developing 800 and 900 horsepower, respectively. This 13-liter engine has been developed and designed with the help of ultramodern diesel engine technology.

www.volvo.com

New Model: Regal 44 Sport Coupe

Regal presents its new 44 Sport Coupe, its second in size, and fully enclosed hard top model. The 44 Sports Coupe follows the design style of the 52 flagship in a smaller size, and challenges other renowned brands in a competitive market segment with a Sport Cruiser powered by Volvo IPS pods. Conventionally planned inside it is outside where the 44 Sport Coupe has distinctive features in size and comfort. Most notable is surely the optional aft cockpit enclosure with sliding door, which gives the 44 Sport Coupe better all weather sun or rain usage. The cockpit deck is also very spacious for a fourteen metre overall sized sport cruiser. Here the layout is gives two C-shaped settees both lying to port side, wet bar to port side, helm station to port, and a sun pad aft. Below accommodation deck offers a standard layout for this size having a twin stateroom plan with separate heads, L-shaped settee, and a spacious galley arrangement. Finishing is for high gloss cherry wood inside, and Flexiteek for the cockpit sole. Propelled by IPS pods units the 44 Sport Coupe power options are from Volvo twin petrol's of 375hp each as standard, or diesel units in D6 370hp, or 435hp.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14 m (46ft)
Beam - 4.27 m
Draft - 1.07 m
Displacement - 9979 kg with Volvo 8.1Gi
Fuel Capacity - 1242 l
Water Capacity - 382 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Volvo 8.1Gi 375hp petrol, D6 370hp, D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS500, IPS600 forward looking dual prop pods
Hull Shape - Regal OceanTrac with twenty degrees deadrise
Construction - fiberglass with vinylester barrier resin coat

www.regalboats.com

Project: Hustler 29 Rockit

Hustler present the project of the 29 Rockit, the second in this new high performance range following the introduction of the 39 in 2009. Just as its bigger sister the 29 Rockit offers a bottom specifically designed for over the 100 mph mark. This bottom is named by Hustler powerboats as the Sexstep. Sex hear meaning for six, which is how much small steps the vee of the 29 Rockit features. These are made to make the best of stability in the higher speeds mark. The 29 Rockit has also two cockipt styles, Lake and Offshore Edition. In the Lake format you get a single helm bolster, L-shaped settee, and sunpad aft. The Offshore version gives an additional co-pilot seat, forward looking bench for three persons, and again a sunpad aft. Interior plans are not shown, but I do accept the usual vee shaped berth to fore, small bar galley, and shower head. Power options are for two choices all from Mercury with a 496 standard, or 525 optional.

www.hustlerpowerboats.com

New Model: Mustang 480 Sports Euro

Based on the 430 Sport Coupe hull, the Sports Euro is Mustang's flybridge version of the more aggressive looking hard top design. Just as its smaller hardtop sister the 480 Sports Euro is designed with European elements. It was presented officially in Australia's premier Sydney boat show in August. Interior for the 480 Sports Euro will be a two or three cabin choice, with a single or two heads plan. The two cabin version offers an utility room in lieu of a double cabin, and larger single bathroom. Larger to normal horizontal wedge shape view windows feature in the owners cabin to fore. The flybridge offers a C-shaped settee in the forward part, and a sun pad aft under the radar arch. Power is from twin Volvo IPS600 pod drives.

Technical Data:
LOA - 14.98 m (49.1ft)
Hull Length - 13.40 m
Beam - 4.61 m
Draft - 1.20 m
Displacement - 15 t dry
Fuel Capacity - 1900 l
Water Capacity - 670 l
Accommodation - 4/6 berths in 2/3 cabins
Engines - 2 x IPS600 D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking dual propeller pods
Construction - Hand laid with Isphotalic gel coat and vinilester resin, cored deck.

www.mustangmarine.com.au

Boat Review: Menorquin MY 145 Fly

Presentation
Launched in 2007 the Menorquin Yacht 145 continues up market thinking by the Spanish Menorca Island boat builder. This made the MY145 not only important for being a new model in its presentation at the Palma Show of Spring 2007, but more so because it introduced vacuum infusion in the building method, and the use of an outside designer with Tommaso Spadolini taking the job for the exterior looks. This last idea of out sourcing the design got so much praise in the MY145 that Menorquin have also used a separate independent designer for the newly planned 20 and 24 metres flagships, using the hands of other famous Italian architect Fulvio De Simoni for the upcoming Custom Yacht range. The MY145 is one of the recent additions to the Menorquin line, but the yard listening to customers demands put a new additional three cabins five berths version in early 2009. As many Menorquin's the MY145 is also offered in different versions for what regard the outside. A Fly as for the review here, or the standard Hardtop.

Accommodation
Interiors have always been the bread and butter of the Menorquin yachts, offering livable layouts with good spaces and classic wood filled finishes. But lets start with the outside of the MY145 welcoming you aft with an extended integrated bathing platform which comes out stylishly from the lower part of the traditional canoe stern. A small moulded door to starboard welcomes you to the aft deck. This space is available as both free or with an optional two person bench settee to port. On both sides and up one step you go to the integrated and safe side deck, which takes you to the bow, where you find a very nice forward looking four person bench sofa. From the aft main deck is the the ladder which takes you to the flybridge. The fly has a C-shaped settee to port, helm station to starboard, and optional hydraulic crane to aft which creates stowage space for a medium sized tender. The crane and extended bathing platform makes it possible to carry two tenders.

Back to aft and moving forward a three part patio door welcomes you inside the interior living deck. To port here is an L-shaped settee which can transform to a double berth, making total sleeping capacity plus two for a total six or seven berths. To starboard is a small furniture unit opposite the dinette, and the fully equipped internal helm station.

From the middle of the main deck and down four steps you reach the lower accommodation deck. This part of the MY145 is available in two layouts. The standard is a two cabin, two shower heads, C-shaped galley, and a small L-shaped settee. Optional is a three cabin version. This gives a single cabin in lieu of the small settee below and also takes part of the galley. Cabin planning is rather standard as a traditional cruiser should be. But that does not mean that is not comfortable. The owners suite is located to fore, double cabin midship port side with two single berths. and a guest shower head. The third cabin option gets its location to starboard side in front of the galley, and is a single berth.

Performance

Having a traditional fully keeled semi displacement hull, the Menorquin MY145 Fly gives a respectable medium speed cruise. The full keel pays a price in performance due to drag, but then it gives back in better direction control, which added with the full hull measuring only seventeen centimetres to the overall length gives also superior stability. These two factors, keel and full under the water hull give also minimum rolling with a natural progressive movement during cruise or anchor. The MY145 is offered with four engine choices starting with the standard twin Volvo D4 300hp, to the other optional choices from the D6 330hp, most high revving Yanmar 310hp, and the Cummins 330hp which revs the less. With twin Volvo D6 330hp the MY145 Fly reaches top speeds of 18 knots at the max 3500 rpm. Optimum cruising was at 2800 rpm with speeds of 14 knots, range of 245 nautical miles, and consumption of 5.2 litres per mile. If you want to enjoy more the trip you can also cruise at a slower 8 knots with the Volvo's 330hp only revving at 1600 rpm, giving a long range of eighty hours or 645 nautical miles.

Positive

Good economy speed

Full deck use

Accommodation

Negative

Low flybridge safety walls

Competition

Surprisingly the Menorquin MY145 Fly is the real wild card for staying closer to its roots. In fact the MY145 unlike other traditional looking boats stays true to its ancestors hull shape, and is unique for having medium range explorer qualities in its DNA. If you want a semi displacement hull the closer you can get is with a live aboard explorer like the Grand Banks 41 Heritage EU, or the Rhea 43. Competition criteria was for flybridge, thirteen to fourteen metres size, two or three cabins, twin engines, and 15 knots plus of speed.

Beneteau 42 Swift Trawler - explorer trawler, 2 cabins heads, 26 knots max

Grand Banks 41 Heritage EU - 2 cabins 1 head, explorer with classic trawler looks

Hinckley 44 Talaria FB - lobster design, available in single cabin lower salon

Mainship 45 Trawler - explorer two cabins, large main deck

Patrone 42 Convertible Flybridge - planning gozzo, three cabins, main deck galley

Rhea 43 - smallest, explorer trawler, two cabin heads

Sciallino 40 Fly - planning Ligurian gozzo, two or three cabin choice

WILD CARD: Portofino 47 Fly - three cabins, cross over modern traditional

Conclusion

Slow Yachting is the new Menorquin campaign presented in the fall of 2009 in November during the Barcelona Boat Show. This campaign gives reasons why one should choose a Menorquin boat. Most important are that of stable navigation, relax sailing, easy manoeuvrability, max safety, fuel economy, and enjoyment of the boat during cruise. Obviously the MY145 Fly has all these features and more, being one of its latest designs. Its lower deck for example is spacious and the three cabin plan gives also better flexibility for those who cruise as a large family. You also get an exterior and living main deck where safe enjoyment is a total experience, thanks to safe bulwarks, and the settee to fore. The Menorquin MY145 Fly should be a first look if you want a traditional looking cruiser echoing the past with a canoe style stern, good comfortable spaces, and slow to medium economical cruising speeds.

Technical Data

LOA. 13.99 metres (45.8ft)

Waterline length. 13.82 metres

Beam. 4.50 metres

Draft. 1.12 metres

Displacement. 18.7 t

Fuel Capacity. 1 x 600, 1 x 785 litres

Water Capacity. 600 litres

Max Persons. 12

Accommodation. 4/5 guest berths in 2/3 cabins + 2 berths in convertible saloon

Engines. 2 x Volvo D4 300hp, D6 330hp, Yanmar 6LPA-STP 315hp, Cummins QSB5.9 330hp Propulsion. line shaft

Speed. 18 knots max, 14 knots cruise, 8 knots economic 

Range. 245 nm at 14 knots,. long 684 nm at 8 knots

Hull Shape. Full keel semi displacement

Project. Tommaso Spadolini

Construction. vinilester resin with vacuum infusion method

Certification. CE A

www.menorquin.com

Picture Copyright Menorquin. Data Menorquin.

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