Project: Atlantis 48

Atlantis presents the new 48 project which sets its new course challenging itself and the competition. The 48 which will launch in a couple of days in Cannes replaces the seven years produced successful 47 which was a design of Righini and the previous project team headed by Angelo Gobbi. The 48 is a project trusted to the new company Neo Design headed by Fabio Salvetti and Marco Biaggi both coming from a previous experience with Officina Italiana Design, Riva designer office for a couple of decades now. If the words used for the adverts We Are Open had to be true for the previous models they surely take a new meaning in this very aggressive but at the same time clean looking Sport Cruiser. Neo Design challenge the most of the main stream builders with a low super structure, and moderately high free board hull incorporating a very open hard top. The roomy cockpit concept uses similar themes as seen on the bigger Atlantis 54 with a central sun pad aft, L-shaped settee, galley wet bar, chaise lounge, and helm station to starboard. Below accommodation is for two separate cabins with owners stateroom being a full beam mid ship, a VIP suite to fore, galley, and saloon. The Atlantis 48 will have a modified Vee closing in a 15 degrees dead rise aft specifically studied in its waterline lengths and angles which powered by twin Cummins 600hp should give a 35 knots top speed.
www.azimutyachts.com

Improve-it = Menorquin MY 160

Menorquin presents an improved edition of the MY 160 to which the firm has introduced some new features. The interior has been updated with a new line of furnishings, in keeping with the classic aesthetics and nautical theme which distinguish Menorquin traditional yachts; as well as incorporating considerable improvements such as the installation of independent showers in each of the two bathrooms, and more ample adult size beds in the third cabin. The exterior of the MY 160 2011 edition stands out with a renewed stylized design of the hardtop, which accentuates the harmony and elegance of the yacht; one piece lateral windows with improved closing mechanisms have also been installed. All of these attractive improvements extol the extraordinary habitability and comfort of this craft. The improved Menorquin MY 160 goes also in line with the recently signed collaboration agreement Menorca builder did with Simrad. The first MY 160 unit – 2011 edition has been fitted with a complete marine electronic system, with the latest technology from Simrad Yachting: a NSE 12 navigation system, BR24 Broadband Radar, AP24 Autopilot, VHF RS82 radio, WR20 remote commander and the recently launched SonicHub sound system.

www.menorquin.com

Project: Tiara 4500 Sovran

Tiara presents the project for a new 4500 Sovran set to replace the 4300 model. As usual to this high quality renowned US builder, the new Tiara 4500 Sovran offers smart masculine looks with a mix of practical items set to challenge the best of them in this size. That's not to say there is no smooth touches in the design, which the 4500 seems to be full but it surely is different and less aggressive in the looks department then to most of the European competitors. The 4500 Sovran as the picture above shows delivers a very elegant smooth stance with its straight shear line relax posture. Below the 4500 Sovran will have a two cabins both with private shower heads interior, an L-shaped saloon which converts to an extra double berth, and an L-shaped galley. The exterior aft deck keeps a two level split layout with an aft one reserved for entertaining and dining, and the one above having the helm to starboard, L-shaped settee to port, and an exterior wet bar which is small compared to recent European offers. But the interior galley surely makes up for this being one of the larger in this size. The 4500 Sovran has also been thought out for after factory fitting out of a hydraulic bathing platform lift systems, and washer dryer combo systems in the saloon. The clever items are a big list from the sun pads inclined back rests on the fore deck, to the aft storage trunk which apart having loads of space transforms to a platform seat, the transom grill, the chart flat with optional hiding TV with DVD, and the 32 inch TV below. Power choice is a secret so far although we do know that they will be twin diesels which will move this twelve tons moderate Vee seventeen degrees dead rise aft sport cruiser.
www.tiarayachts.com

New Model: Riva 33ft Aquariva Gucci

Riva continue to present exclusive limited Aquariva versions, and after the Cento which marked the first hundred build models, and the just launched Marc Newson, the builder from Sarnico adds another unique jewel with the surprise presentation of a Gucci version. Founded by Guccio Gucci in Florence in 1921, Gucci is in the last decades one of the most renowned global made in Italy fashion houses. The Aquariva Gucci is a celebration to the fashion house ninetieth birthday and was desired for this occasion by the company's Creative Director Frida Giannini. The Aquariva Gucci will be a limited production model and represents the original version with some added details which mark the exclusivity signature. The details are paramount to this new version; the fiberglass hull painted in Gucci's unique hue white color, waterproof fabric which covers the seat and sundeck will have the Guccissima print, bed upholstery in Gucci white cotton, Gucci green-red-green web detailing which edges the floating line, unique green crystal windshield, and last is a series of Riva by Gucci accessories. Power for the Riva by Gucci is twin Yanmar 380hp which give a top speed 41 knots and a range of 150 nautical miles on a 36 knots cruise.
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.07 m (33ft)
Hull Length - 9.92 m
Waterline Length - 8.40 m
Beam - 2.80 m
Draft - 0.96 m
Displacement - 6.69 t loaded, 5.35 t empty
Fuel Capacity - 480 l
Water Capacity - 130 l
Accommodation - 2 berths
Max Persons - 8
Engines - 2 x Yanmar 6LY3 UPT 380hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 41 knots max, 36 knots cruise
Range - 150 nautical miles
Hull Shape - Vee monohedron with 16.5 degrees deadrise aft
Project - Mauro Micheli Officina Italian Design exterior lines, Frida Giannini Gucci Creative Director detailing
Certification - CE 2003/44 B
www.riva-yacht.com

Project: Beneteau 44 Swift Trawler

Beneteau replaces the model which premiered its Explorer Cruiser range the 2004 launched 42 Swift Trawler with a new 44 feet project. The 44 Swift Trawler builds on the attributes that made the range a popular choice for couples or families who are passionate about boating. As a symbol of escapism this latest model concedes nothing of the range’s proven performance, but adds a new concept of space: with more spacious environments, and natural light. Apart the greater and leaner windows the 44 also adds more space inside, and outside with the interior now having a two cabins twin shower head lower deck. The living main deck is also distinctively more spacious with its single step split level format offering a larger C-shaped galley, and lounge. The flybridge while seemingly similar in space and format to the old 42, also offers an extra co-driver seat, as the does the aft deck now offering an L-shaped settee to port side. Power is from twin 300hp engines. 

www.beneteau.com

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.

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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