Project: Sunseeker 38 Portofino

Although not officially web announced by Sunseeker, the 38 Portofino project first pictures started to show since last September at the builders Southampton show stand. The 38 Portofino is to be Sunseeker's future entry level model and will compete with similar sized hard top sports cruisers. These being built mostly in Europe. As the picture shows the 38 looks similar to the ten feet bigger January 2010 presented 48 Portofino model. Size is the major difference with a smaller fore peak, which is to be expected considering the less dimensions. Sunseeker with the 38 Portofino hope to compete with similar offers in this size, although price is key for this achievement. Sunseeker used to dominate this size in the past, but its previous recent ancestors did not fare so well, and considering the higher competition today the task is more difficult. The 375 Portofino did have medium sales results in the mid nineties, and the early millennium produced 35 Portofino had low numbers, reason being a not very competitive price. So far no details are announced as to what propulsion, engine type, and the layout plan. What I do imagine is stern drive or IPS choice propulsion power, with the big windows to mid ship suggesting the 38 Portofino having a large cabin in that area. An up and down bathing platform seems also part of the package.
www.sunseeker.com

Class 1 - 2011 Calendar

The UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship will field one of its strongest line-ups in recent years, with promoter Nicolò di San Germano confirming an eleven boat entry for the 2011 season-opener in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, 14-16 April. Announcing the news at today's press conference in Monaco, San Germano also revealed the dates for ten races at five Grand Prix, with Norway, Italy, Brazil and Abu Dhabi joining Dubai as the season venues, with the possibility of a sixth event to be announced in the coming weeks. It promises to be a closely-contested and intriguing season as old rivalries are renewed, as well as a titanic fight for supremacy in what is being billed as a Middle East versus Europe showdown, as teams prepare to go head-to-head for title honours. Defending World, European and Middle East Champions Arif Al Zafeen and Nadir bin Hendi - the dominant drivers in Class 1 over the last four years - will steer Victory Team's single boat attack. The triple World Champions took nine wins from 12 starts last season and know that they will face stiffer opposition in 2011, not just from neighbours Team Abu Dhabi and Middle East rivals Spirit of Qatar, but the seven teams from Europe - all intent on breaking the stranglehold that Victory Team has held over the championship since 2007. After an impressive debut season for Team Abu Dhabi and Class 1 rookie Rashed Al Tayer, taking three wins and one podium finish, Al Tayer is retained in the driver's seat, with the team still to announce who will take the throttles alongside him. Spirit of Qatar's recently announced return to racing renews their great rivalry with the Victory Team. Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani and English throttleman Steve Curtis lead the team's two-boat assault on the championship in Qatar 96, with Class 1 debutant Ali Al Neama teaming-up with the experienced Italian, Matteo Nicolini in Qatar 95. Leading the line for European team success will be 2010 Edox Pole Position Champions Kolbjorn Selmer and Jorn Tanberg, the all-Norwegian pairing maintaining their partnership in Welmax for a third season, whilst fellow Norwegian outfit Zabo Racing look likely to maintain their 2010 pairing, with Paul Gaiser alongside throttleman Christian Zaborowski in Relekta. Italy rolls out four teams and three all-Italian pairings in 2011: Fendi Racing will make its championship debut with owner-driver Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella continuing a promising Class 1 partnership that began in Abu Dhabi last season with a podium, running an Outerlimits boat and engine package. GiorgiOffshore has confirmed that throttleman Nicola Giorgi, who lines up for his 75th Grand Prix in Dubai, will partner Tomaso Polli who he first raced with in 2002, with Guido Cappellini resuming his partnership with Giampaolo Montaovoci, the pair teaming-up last year for fives races and grabbing two podium finishes. Both Team D'Alessio-SCAM and Chris Parsonage Racing, the sole English entry, have confirmed their participation but are still to reveal their driver line-ups. 

TEAMS 2011 - summary

Team: VICTORY TEAM (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) Boat: #3 Victory

Pilots: Arif Saif Al Zafeen (D) UAENadir Bin Hendi (T) UAE Team: TEAM ABU DHABI (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) Boat: #5 Abu Dhabi

Pilots: Rashed Al Tayer (D) UAEtbc (T) Team: FENDI RACING (Italy) Boat: #10 Fendi Racing

Pilots: Luca Formilli Fendi (D) ITAGiovanni Carpitella (T) ITA Team: GIORGIOFFSHORE (Italy) Boat: #18 GiorgiOffshore

Pilots: Tomaso Polli (D) ITANicola Giorgi (T) ITA Team: CHRIS PARSONAGE RACING (England) Boat: #50

Pilots: tbc (D)tbc (T) Team: TBC (Italy) Boat: #74

Pilots: Guido Cappellini (D) ITAGiampaolo Montavoci (T) ITA Team: WELMAX OFFSHORE RACING (Norway) Boat: #90 Welmax

Pilots: Kolbjorn Selmer (D) NORJorn Tandberg (T) NOR Team: ZABO RACING (Norway) Boat: #91 Relekta

Pilots: Paul Gaiser (D) BRAChristian Zaborowski (T) NOR Team: SPIRIT OF QATAR (Qatar) Boat: #95 Qatar

Pilots Ali Al Neama (D) QAT Matteo Nicolini (T) ITA Boat: #96 Qatar Pilots: Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani (D) QATSteve Curtis (T) ENG Team: D'ALESSIO-SCAM (Italy) Boat: # Pilots: tbc (D)tbc (T)
2011 CALENDAR

15/16 April - Dubai, UAE

June - TBA

16/17 July - Arendal, Norway

24/25 September - Stresa, Italy

22/23 October - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (tbc)

1/2 December - Abu Dhabi, UAE

www.class-1.com

New Model: Marlow 76LR Voyager

Marlow's 76LR Voyager has been a talked about project since before making her official debut in 2010, representing an evolution of this company way of doing explorer yachts. The 76LR Voyager has been the talk since it was introduced due to the challenge which came from company chairman David Marlow. Interestingly according to the specifications this four double cabins, two and half deck explorer yacht delivers speeds unheard in this style of yacht. The 76LR Explorer also features high quality solar panels on top of the raised pilothouse delivering energy on board in a clean way. Power is twin Cats 776hp engines with ZF pods which give a top speed of 19 knots to the bulbous shaped 76 LR Explorer hull. Range which is always a keen topic is a max of 3900 nautical miles at 10 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 25.17 m (82.7ft)
Length - 24.05 m
Waterline Length - 23.17 m
Beam - 6.32 m
Draft - 1.52 m
Displacement - 52163 kg
Fuel Capacity - 17029 l
Water Capacity - 1513 + 378 l
Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C15 776hp
Propulsion - ZF aft looking dual prop pod drives
Speed - 19 knots max, 16 knots cruise, 10 knots economic
Range - 2100 nm at 16 knots, 3900 at 10 knots
Construction - Vacuum infusion with Kevlar, Carbon, S-Glass and Vinilester resins
Certification - NMMA CE A
www.marlowexplorer.com

Project: Heesen 51.10m YN 16551

Heesen present the project for a 51.10 metres full-displacement, long range vessel with a steel, round-bilge hull-form and aluminium superstructure. This super yacht offers some unique features, including a seventy square metre gymnasium that is located forward on the main deck usually the traditional home of the master suite. Designed by Omega Architects this new vessel is a further development of the lines seen of Man of Steel and Sky. YN 16551 accommodates 12 guests in five cabins, comprising two twins each with an additional Pullman berth, and two doubles located on the lower deck and the owner’s suite located aft on the bridge deck, where it has exclusive access to the open deck and its Jacuzzi. The sun deck is partially shaded and enclosed by rounded windows on its forward side to protect it from the wind. Here, the owner and his guests can enjoy an alfresco dinner, or lounge on the sunbathing area on the aft portion that surrounds a further massive rectangular Jacuzzi. The yacht will be powered by a pair of MTU 3646hp diesel engines, which will power it to a maximum speed of 15 knots. The Owner has appointed New York based architectural studio Mojo Stumer, which collaborated with Heesen on the interior design of M.Y. Sky, the award-winning 50-metre presented at the latest Monaco Yacht Show. YN 16551 will be delivered to her owner in 2014.

www.heesenyachts.com

New Model: Sarnico 24.80m Grande

A waited debut that of Sarnico shipyard new 24 metre Grande flagship shown as a project at the start of 2008. This new flagship designed by renowned long time Sarnico collaboraters Nuvolari Lenard for the lines and interior layout, and Victory for the underwater hull shape. Sarnico expands its fleet size by fifteen feet from the previous since 2002 65 model flagship, and represents a couple of first times for this appreciated Italian sport cruiser and yacht builder. These being that the Grande puts the Sarnico Group on the super yacht map, the use of an advanced surface drive propulsion Flexitab Flexidrive, and as recent fashion dictates on seventy feet plus sport yachts the feature of an optional second helm invisible flybridge. The new propulsion from Flexitab is an interesting novelty and apart offering a low 12 knots planning speed, comes from the competition experience both in Class 1 and P1 Endurance series. Nuvolari Lenard presented an exquisite modern looking yacht which features a balance of smooth modern yet timeless lines keeping a good balance with the Sarnico looks. The interior of the Grande is a modern layout with living on the main deck, four double cabins and galley located below. The galley is located in a separate area behind the owners cabin to mid ship. Sarnico says a big effort is made in the Grande to make it a unique product for every client, with high customizations being possible. Power for the Grande which as said feature the unique Flexidrive propulsion, and a much appreciated Brunello Acampora Victory hull design is for a max of 42 knots, 36 knots cruise, and a low 12 knots on the plane speed.

Technical Data:

LOA - 24.80 m (81.3ft)

Beam - 6.00 m

Displacement - 42 t dry

Fuel Capacity - 6000 l

Water Capacity - 1000 l

Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins

Engines - 2 x MAN 1800hp

Propulsion - Flexitab Flexidrive

Speed - 42 knots max, 36 knots cruise, 12 knots planning

Project - Nuvolari Lenard lines, Brunello Acampora Victory Design hull
www.cantieridisarnico.it

Project: Ocean Alexander 65 Pilothouse

Ocean Alexander presents the project of the 65 Pilothouse. This model will be the third in the Pilothouse series range sitting in between the 62 and 72. The Pilothouse is one of four series from Ocean Alexander which build yachts from the 54 Trawler up to the 155 Megayacht designed in the US by Ed Monk Junior, and built in China. The 65 Pilothouse is not an extension of the 62, but has a new hull which is one foot slimmer to the smaller model. Interior details and arrangements has not so far been announced. Power for the 65 Pilothouse is twin MTU 825hp engines.

www.oceanalexander.com

New Model: Chaparral 327 SSX

Sometimes a builder comes with a new model which pushes borders of design and this is the story for Chaparral's 327 SSX. This sport cruiser is all about cross over styles offering an all in one unique package from a bowrider, sport boat, to an overnight cabin. Chaparral 327 SSX is revolutionary. But uniqueness does not stop alone here with a nice looking standard fiberglass hard top being another cool feature for the 327 SSX. But let gets to the cream of the 327 SSX which is the interior giving an unthinkable practical full beam cabin; which offers a galley, separate head, and L-shaped settee which can transform to a double berth sleeping two. Seeing the 327 SSX above which offers a full deck space, and bow rider environment this is truly unimaginable. Consider the 327 SSX a revolution, which shows how the human imagination can never stop on improving itself. Power for the Chaparral 327 SSX is twin petrol gas engines by Mercruiser or Volvo from 300 up to 430hp.
Technical Data:
LOA - 9.91 m (32.7ft) with bathing platform
Beam - 3.05 m
Draft - 0.98 m
Displacement - 4445 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 668 l
Water Capacity - 95 l
Accommodation - 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Mercruiser 5.7L 350 Mag 300hp, 6.2L 377 Mag, 320hp, 8.2L Mag DTS 380hp, 8.2L Mag HO DTS 420hp, Volvo 5.7L GI EVC 300hp, 5.7L GXI EVC 320hp, 8.1L GI EVC 375hp, 8.1L GI EVC-D 420hp
Propulsion - dual propeller stern drive Mercruiser Bravo3, Volvo DP
Hull Shape - deep Vee 22 degrees dead rise
Certification - NMMA
www.chaparralboats.com

Engine: Cat C6.4 505hp

Caterpillar Marine Power Systems is pleased to announce the development of the Cat C6.4, a new marine diesel engine platform for the pleasure craft industry. The C6.4 will provide industry-leading performance in the power range of 335 to 505hp with the latest innovations in high technology, including common rail fuel injection. Designed specifically for the pleasure craft industry, the new engine is a compact, powerful and user-friendly solution for customers seeking maximum performance with decreased engine noise and reduced emissions. Featuring a 3400 rpm rated engine speed, the C6.4 is a vee-configuration, 8-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with 98.2 mm bore and 105 mm stroke displacing 6.4 total liters. The C6.4 offers four “E” level ratings, including the highest rating, which is 505hp at 3400 rpm. Additional ratings available include 450hp at 3400 rpm, 380hp at 3400 rpm and 335hp at 3400 rpm. Production is targeted for the first half of 2012. The C6.4 meets current exhaust emission regulations including U.S. EPA Tier II marine recreational craft limitations, the EU 94/25/EC recreational craft directive and is IMO II compliant. The engine is also capable of meeting future U.S. EPA Tier III marine exhaust emissions requirements. Reduced engine noise is achieved through innovative design in the two-piece CGI cylinder block, combining the bed plate and block casting to provide additional stiffness and subsequently lower operating noise. The High Pressure Common Rail fuel system also provides quieter performance through the pilot injection of fuel and integration of Piezo technology to eliminate electro-mechanical control solenoids. The new engine model will be manufactured in the Wimborne Marine Power Center, located in Wimborne, United Kingdom. Standard equipment on the C6.4 includes a built-in oil cooler, centrifugal water pump, self-priming sea water pump, low profile oil pan, top access to service oil level and oil fill locations as well as a single Cat heavy-duty spin-on high efficiency oil filter. The engine is equipped with an automatic fuel priming pump, 12V DC electric accessories and a solid-mounted Cat 70-pin electric plug-in connector for yacht control harness. The new C6.4 is fully compatible with the Cat Multi-Station Control System and MSCS II components for shift and throttle integration and Cat helm displays, including the Color Marine Power Display.

www.cat.com

New Model: Delta 54 IPS

Delta launched its new flagship the 54 IPS on the fall of 2010, at the Scandinavia boat show. The 54 IPS designed by Lars Modin as previous Delta's is a model which reflects the continuity of this builder unique working pilot boat looks mixed to that of a fast planning Vee shaped hull, and yacht comfort. The interior layout is in fact a luxurious affair with a three double cabins plan located below decks; with owners suite to fore, and two identical guest cabins to mid ship. Two identical shower heads serve the guests, with the starboard side being an en-suite for the owners room. The main deck is a split level; with the lower part having L-shaped sofa, galley, and fore area having a dining table, and helm station to starboard. The helm also features a direct access door to the all around deck, making single handled manoeuvring easier. Other important features of the 54 IPS are the free space aft deck with no transom bulkhead, hydraulic up and down bathing platform, and the deep bulwark protected all around deck. Construction is also of advanced materials with the Delta 54 IPS having a vacuum infusion sandwich method which makes for a weight of about 14,000 kilograms. Power if from three Volvo's 435hp engines with IPS pods propulsion which should give a 40 knots top speed.
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.10 m (59.3ft)
Length - 16.60 m
Beam - 4.60 m
Displacement - 14000 kg approx
Fuel - 2 x 900 l
Water - 500 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS600 D6 435hp, 3 x Volvo IPS600 D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking dual props
Speed - 40 knots max, 30 knots knots cruise with 3 x 435hp
Construction - vacuum infusion sandwich construction with Vinilester resin
Project - Lars Modin
www.deltapowerboats.se

Project: Riva 27 Iseo

Riva presents the project of the 27 feet Iseo, which is a day cruiser model set to launch in the coming Summer. As in all new Riva's of the last decades the new entry level Iseo is a project of Mauro Micheli's Officina Italian Design, who since the Ferretti Group take over in 1999 is helped by the brand AYT, and the recently formed Centro Stile departments. As was the case of the Aquariva, one of the first Ferretti produced Riva's, the Iseo recalls the history of this brand; which apart the most famous Aquarama launched a lot of similar wood constructed runabouts under thirty feet long from 1946 up till 1986 as the Corsaro, Tritone, Ariston, Scoiattolo, Sebino, Florida, Junior, and Olympic. The Riva Iseo continues the bond with these old models something seen in the uncluttered lines, extensive use of mahogany wood, and a twenty coat varnish finish divided equally in brushing and spraying. But apart celebrating the past Riva Iseo makes shouts to the future thanks to the option of hybrid Ferretti Zero Emission Mode option, and the choice of having a GPS infotainment system built for an Apple IPad platform. Another curious collection option will also be a custom Riva Iseo trailer. Power for the two berth cuddy cabin Riva Iseo will be a single diesel Yanmar engine from 260 standard, or optional 320hp, and a petrol gas Mercruiser 380hp choice. Top speeds are 37 knots with Yanmar 320hp diesel, and 38 knots with Mercruiser petrol.

www.riva-yacht.com