Powerboat GPS - Siracusa Preview

We arrive to the last turn of the 2010 season for the Powerboat Grand Prix of the Sea, in the traditional atmosphere of Syracuse on the largest island of the Mediterranean that is Sicily. Unlike 2009 the stakes of the World title have already been decided, but that is not to say there is no remaining prices and competition to be held in the last way point, with European and Italian Championship still at stake.

60 Metamarine Forseti&Sguardi in Evolution, and 38 Baia Attolini in Supersport decided the 2010 World championship two rounds and a Grand Prix in advance, thanks to always consistent results and reliability. Now the two teams who also lead the European and Italian championship will head to this last round hoping to make a complete hat trick of the 2010 season, which will make it for them a year to remember, and surely a hard one to beat. But I am sure that the close competition of the other following fast boats in both the classes will make it all hard for them so that they also can celebrate the last round of the season with a celebration of there own.

EVOLUTION:
Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Points
1. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Sguardi - Metamarine Corse ~ 151
An impressive season with reliability and a worst third place. Unstoppable.
2. 88 SNAV-Kiton - OSG Racing Team ~ 86

Sfortune moments for 2010 champions. But 010 challenge was more difficult to 09.

3. 33 Furnibo - 2B1 Racing Team ~ 79
Again shows speed in Bacoli. But for a title fast is not enough. Ask Metamarine in 2008!

4. 77 Lucas Oil - Scandinavian Offshore Challenge ~ 57
A good third in round 7. But still not consistent enough. Work to do for 2011.

5. 66 Cranefields Wine - Searex Racing Team ~ 56
Another second in Bacoli. Surely an improving performer for 2010.
6. 55 Ukrainian Spirit - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 48
Rough seas in Bacoli make it close to less then 10 secs. Missed buoy spoiled a result.
7. 47 Silverline Racing - Silverline ~ 6
After finishing a race and collecting six points they missed Bacoli.
SUPERSPORT:
1. 38 Baia Attolini - Baia Attolini ~ 146
Consistency and four wins with a worst fourth place, this is how you take a title.

2. 43 Seagull Chaudron - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 95

The 2009 Champion won a race, but problems on Sunday stopped the challenge.

3. 81 Karelpiu - RG87 Racing Team ~ 81

For a rookie to take two wins is very good. Shows the quality of a Fountain.

4. 22 Big Sergio - Al &Al Racing Team ~ 80

Takes Powerpole and leads half the first race, but then a mishap stops all.
5. 17 Spirit of Belgium - Spirit of Belgium ~ 49
After the terrible accident in Poltu Quatu it was expected not to see them.

6. 06 Jolly Drive - Jolly Drive Racing Team ~ 48

Diesel and Albatro show good bad weather handling. Can they repeat a podium.
7. 26 Team 26 - Team 26 ~ 21
They missed Bacoli. Hope to see them soon, for what is a fast boat with title chances.

8. 08 Asia 2011-15 - Ocean Dragon Racing Team ~ 5
After a good 2nd in the UIM Endurance in Cowes, have to see more of the new Pantera.
www.grandprixofthesea.com

Project: Albatro 60

The ever performance orientated Alabtro boat builder located on the North tip of the Italian shoe shaped peninsula presents a project for a 60 model. This 60 model altough Sport Yacht in size is of a very powerboat inspiration with a two stepped hull, and Jolly special surface drives propulsion attached aft. The power should be from a quadruple 480hp engines which will give the usual high performance associated with the smaller Albatro boats. Interior accommodation offers four different choices with a single, two or three cabins, plus a galley, two longitudinal sofas, and a one, or two bathrooms options.
www.albatro.eu

New Model: Azimut 64 Flybridge

Presenting itself as a surprise unveiling during the Azimut Yachting Gala in house boat show at the start of Summer which now is in its fourth edition was the 64 Flybridge. This new model will replace the since 2002 produced 62, which in its eight year production run was produced in an impressive two hundred plus units. A hard to beat success, but none the less not impossible. The 64 takes a lot of the features of the 62 and improves on them, adding modernity more glassed surfaces, and a leaner profile. The squared off bow, and extended bathing platform with high low movement introduced on latest Azimut's since 2004 has also been included. Interior wise the 64 offers a three double cabins all with en-suite lower deck. A two person crew cabin with shower is located aft. A split level saloon offers the usual Azimut layout with C-shaped sofa upon entrance, dining table, and galley to fore. Azimut keeps also evolving its exterior spaces, with the aft deck C-shaped settee which converts to a sun lounger, a free astern part on the flybridge ideally suited for free deck chairs, and the usual sun worshippers area to fore. On the technical part the 64 improves with a carbon fibre reinforced infusion resin construction, and a CE A certification. Power for the Azimut 64 is twin Cats 1150hp which should give a 33 knots top speed.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.15 m (66.1ft)
Hull Length - 19.25 m
Waterline Length - 16.28 m
Beam - 5.23 m
Draft - 098 m excluding props
Displacement - 35 t loaded, 28 t dry
Fuel Capacity - 3900 l
Water Capacity - 980 l
Accommodation - 6 guest + 2 crew berths
Engines - 2 x Cats C18 1150hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 33 knots max, 28 knots cruise at half load
Hull - Vee shape with 17 degrees dead rise aft
Construction - infusion gross reinforced plastic with carbon fiber reinforcements
Project - Stefano Righini exterior, Carlo Galeazzi interior
Certification - CE A
www.azimutyachts.com

New Model: Wayachts 66 Wake

Wayachts follows its first model the 46 and 48 Wake, with the launching of the 66 Wake which in this exclusive we are showing you in sea trials in the bay of Naples, preparing itself before going for its World debut at the Genoa boat show in October. Just as the 48 Wake, the 66 Wake is designed by Francesco Rolla for the lines and Stefano Milanesi for the technical part, keeping in line with the family feeling of this Italian builder which has a plan of launching three more models in the near future. The 66 Wake follows some basic concepts we saw on the much acclaimed 46/48 model, like the all around deck, and the use of Volvo IPS pods propulsion. The main deck is full of new concepts especially to what regards the living part inside, and its unique plan with side entrances, a lounging aft, and central pilot station to fore. Another innovation here is in the glassed surfaced of the hard top and the sides which can be adjusted to let or block the sunlight completely. Below a choice for a three or four cabins lower deck, plus an optional one person crew cabin is available. Standard power is from twin Volvo 700hp with IPS pods which give a 36 knots top speed, and a cruise of 32 to this loaded but still light 27 tons Sport Yacht. A more powerful twin 900hp Volvo should give top speeds of around 40 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.20 m (66.2ft)
Waterline Length - 15.70 m
Beam - 5.25 m
Draft - 1.40 m
Displacement - 25 t light, 27 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 3000 l
Water Capacity - 700 l
Accommodation - 6, 8 berths
Max Persons - 16
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS900 700hp, IPS1200 900hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS 2, IPS 3 forward looking dual propeller pods
Speed - 36 knots max, 32 knots cruise with IPS900, 40 knots with IPS1200
Project - Francesco Rolla lines, Stefano Milanesi from Navaldesign and Consulting technical
Certification - CE A
www.wayachts.it

34th Americas Cup - New AC72 Class and Protocol Announced

The reading on the Americas Cup website says that the World's oldest Sports Trophy has always pioneered yacht design, so this time it is to move on from the mono hulls, to the cats we have seen in the beginning of this year 33rd Deed of Gift Challenge.

Must admit that I have confused feelings about this. My inner soul still misses the mono hulls, and the races we have seen from 1999 to 2007, in the 30th to the 32nd edition races. Another note is that mono are used for all match racing events all over the globe. But, it is fair to say the speed of the cats in the Deed of Gift race was very impressive, and may be with two similar craft things will also be closer then to what we saw from the BMWOracle dominated 33rd edition race.

Here is some specification for the new AC72 Class as outlined on the Americas Cup web site:

34th Americas Cup AC72
LOA - 22.0 meters (72 feet) Beam - 14.0 meters (46 feet) Displacement - 7,000 kilograms (15,500 pounds) Wingsail area – 300 square meters (3,229 square feet)

Ease of assembly: The AC72 can be assembled in two days and disassembled in one to accommodate the shipping schedule for the America’s Cup World Series events. Platform configuration: Either a conventional layout catamaran, one with cockpits and helmsman stations in both hulls, or teams will have an option of designing a central pod to centralize all the wing and sail-handling controls. Wingsail or soft sails: The AC72 class rule allows for wingsail and soft sail options to promote racing through a broad range of conditions. Power source: Engines are banned but electrically driven valves to control the wingsail might be permitted. Rudders and daggerboards: The rule limits a maximum of four underwater appendages, two rudders and two daggerboards. To reduce costs, standardized, one-design daggerboards are being considered. Construction materials and methods: Limits on high-modulus carbon-fiber have been put in place for hull construction. The class rule outlines a minimum outside skin weight of 600 grams per square meter, similar to other racing boats of that size. Core materials may either be foam or honeycomb. High-modulus carbon will be allowed in the wingsail, to add stiffness and strength. Onboard cameramen will be carried during racing.

*********

The protocol drafted by Defender; Golden Gate Yacht Club, and Challenger; Clud Nautico di Roma was also announced.

Highlights include:
- New, exciting class of boat, the AC72 wingsail catamaran
- New annual World Series starting in 2011
- New Youth America’s Cup from 2012
- Transformed media for television broadcast and online
- Shorter, action-packed race format
- Race delays minimized
– new boat and venues with reliable wind
- Independent race management and fully empowered International Jury to avoid show stopping disputes
- Effective cost cutting measures
- Branding freedom for teams
- One global website for all team and racing content

www.americascup.com

Project: Metamarine TNT48 Replica

After years of announcing it Metamarine boss Marco Penessi finally presents the production version of his TNT46 Corsa, with the TNT48 Replica. A machine which comes from his yard in San Benedetto del Tronto in Italy, and is build around winning diesel power which just a couple of days ago gave the World Evolution title to the Corsa version against the very challenging and renowned US petrol powered units. This is the second time Metamarine takes the title, after doing so in 2004 for the speed limited Super Sport class. Now comes a first in Evolution class, after five years of hard work and improvements on the 46 Corsa hull. Something rare in recent years from a European boat builder, but the TNT48 Replica brings the baggage of experience of the competition from the top Evolution class, with a fast diesel powerboat offering cruising amenities for four persons. The hull shape is a two step with the last of these flowing air to the aft in order to help lift the boat. Another rare detail is the transmission which is also build in house by Metamarine, what is a surface drive with a unique combination of turning and trimming shafts, and a central single rudder similar from a certain point of view to the old Levi Drive Unit. Construction is of sandwich Kevlar type, guaranteeing the best strength to weight combination. Also marking a return to production units are the engines which will be from twin Isotta Fraschini of 850hp. Isotta Fraschini was a legendary name for light weight high powered diesel units in the eighties. These twin diesel units should give a top speed of 80 knots, and a 280 nautical miles range.

www.metamarine.it

New Model: Sessa C 54 Sport Coupe

Basing itself on the hull and water lines of the 54 Fly introduced in the fall of last year, Sessa and designer Christian Grande presents the C 54 Sport Coupe, what is an amazing glass filled open views new model. I might be biased saying this as I just saw a couple days ago the flagship C68, and that is a good looking flagship Sessa introduced last year. This model is very similar to it on the looks department, and this surely includes the wow factor and unique color scheme. There is also a detail which I particularly like and Sessa brochure and press release does not tell, which comes from much bigger boats that is the joining of the hull and upper structure coming by the shear line. This apart giving a more bigger boat looks, gives also a much neater approach unheard in most production boat of this size, unless these look traditional. The C 54 Sport Coupe follows modern trends of a fully enclosed hard top Sport Yacht with a three cabin, two heads accommodation, and a very spacious L-shaped galley located below. The owners suite is to mid ship, VIP to fore, and a double bunk is in the middle of the lower deck. An optional crew cabin for one is available to mid ship. The main deck is a single level and here you have an L-shaped sofa, dining table to port, and helm station. The exterior is all about enjoying the nature, sun and nice weather. I particularly like the aft sun pad which extends as if on a float, the spacious aft deck, the fore peak lounger, and not to forget the all around deep side decks which again feel of a much bigger yacht. Tender launching is also made easy thanks to a bathing platform with high low hydraulic movement. Power is from twin Volvo 700hp with IPS second generation larger pods, which gets you on the plane at 15 knots, cruises you at 25 knots, and reaches a 34 knots max speed.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.20 m (53.8ft)
Hull Length - 14.70 m
Waterline Length - 12.70 m
Beam - 4.70 m
Draft - 1.40 m
Displacement - 21 t dry and unloaded
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 1000 l
Water Capacity - 566 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Max Persons - 14
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS900 700hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS900 forward looking dual propeller pods
Speed - 25 knots cruise, 34 knots max
Hull - Polledric Vee with 14.5 degrees dead rise aft
Range - 11 hours @ 25 knots
Project - Christian Grande
Certification - CE B
www.sessamarine.com

Oryx New Web Site

Oryx Sport Yachts and Cruiser introduces a new online showroom. Oryx is a brand of the known United Arab Emirates Gulf Craft company and sits as a bridge between the the two other companies the Majesty Yachts concentrating on Motor and Super Yachts, and Silver Craft open and Sportfish boats. Oryx was founded in 2005, and today it features two ranges Open and Fly Series, which offer a total of five models from the entry level 36 Open, to the 54 Fly introduced in 2009. Its latest new model is the Volvo IPS powered 46 Fly. Oryx new website takes you around with the following buttons: About Us, The Range, Distributors, Insurance & Finance, News, and Get In Touch. The website also features direct logo links to the Facebook, Twitter, and Gulf Craft websites.
www.oryx-yachts.com

Project: Overmarine Mangusta 148 Oceano

Overmarine Mangusta the very famous builder of 72 to 165 feet open hard top sport yachts finally show some renderings of its two years ago announced 148 Oceano. For the Italian Viareggio Overmarine founded in the eighties this project touches new challenges with the 148 Oceano representing its first build having a displacement hull, and three decks. The 148 Oceano just as the open hard top is to be designed by Stefano Righini, architect for Overmarine Mangusta since the early nineties. Righini presented a classic looking exterior with a standard interior plan offering five cabins. The owners stateroom will be located on the main deck, two VIP suites to mid ship below, and two double guest cabins below. A total of five double crew cabins are to be found, including the captains cabin on the upper deck just behind the helm station. As these renderings also show the 148 Oceano will also offer the latest of hydraulic opening balconies and terraces, these being the latest fashion to capture the modern super yachts. So far we can see two of these, one on the lower deck, and a second on the main deck by the owners suite. Twin MTU of 1523hp should give a top speed of 15 knots, and a cruise of 12 knots this last delivering an estimated range of 4000 nautical miles.

www.mangustayachts.com

New Model: Galeon 385 HTS

Since boat building became a production entity back in the nineteen sixties, the brands we admired at some time or another have since then created a model which sets it out away from the competition and makes it become a legendary status. While in recent years this has become more difficult due to the World becoming smaller and faster thanks to the Internet, these do still exist. I have no doubt on the success of the 385 HTS but I also think that this model can become a legendary one for the Polish Galeon who I add in the last decade with the help of Tony Castro and other people has done an awesome effort to become a prime power cruiser and yacht builder, and the results are for everyone to see. While Galeon has produced some really nice models in recent years I think the 385 HTS diminutive for Hard Top Sport is a step forward which the others will have to follow. After the release of the project in the early part of 2010 huge efforts have gone into preparing the 385 HTS just in time for Cannes and from here with the Inbuild section we showed you some bits and peaces of this. The 385 HTS is a two cabin both with en-suite shower heads sport cruiser. Other lower deck comforts will be a well sized L-shaped galley, and a spacious C-shaped saloon with a huge TV looking to fore on the pictured hull one. Outside the 385 HTS is full of surprises not just for its one level layout offering a single helm seat to starboard, relaxing two person chaise lounge, C-shaped settee to port, and exterior galley but for what it has underneath. In fact the 385 HTS unbelievable to see has also a tender garage under the C-shaped settee, and if this was not enough you can also order an extended bathing platform where you can carry another extra water toy. But as many will tell you the difference is in the details and the 385 HTS has plenty of these, mostly coming from the amount of glassed surfaces used in form of skylight on the foredeck, the side window, the hardtop, but also in the sliding twin berth in the mid ship cabin which transforms it to a double, and in the quality of the fittings over all. Galeon's good looking 385 HTS will have six engine choices from Volvo and Volkswagen starting with a 225hp up to the large option of 370hp, this last giving max speed of 40 knots to the Tony Castro designed hull.

Technical Data:

LOA - 12.26 m (40.2ft)

LOA - 13.46 m including optional extended bathing platform

Hull Length - 11.99 m

Beam - 3.90 m

Draft - 1.05 m

Displacement - 12850 kg full load with large D6 370hp, 9640 kg light

Fuel Capacity - 950 l

Water Capacity - 450 l

Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths

Max Persons - 10

Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 225hp, D4 300hp, D6 330hp, D6 370hp,

Volkswagen TDI 225hp, TDI 265hp

Propulsion - Volvo DPH stern drive

Speed - 40 knots max with 370hp

Project - Tony Castro

Certification - CE B

www.galeon.pl