Powerboat OGP - Malta Round One

As the green flag flew and the boats, complete with rooster tails, blasted into the distance, a new dawn signalled for international endurance racing and a new day for the crews; the waiting was over and a world championship title was at stake.

By the end of the first ever race in the newly formed UIM-OGP World Endurance Championship, Furnibo from Belgium, piloted by Pierre Colpin and Frank Hemelaar had taken the spoils and set the standards for the campaign ahead.

It was the Germans, Douglas Verbanck and Sigi Greve, in Hercules Sagemann that showed the early pace, gaining traction off the start with Lucas Oil, the Swedish-American challenger tucking in behind. It wasn’t long though before oil pressure issues hampered the Searex boat allowing Lucus Oil and Furnibo to pass.

The two boats fought a hard battle with Lucas Oil showing the early pace and leading for four laps. It was an impressive performance by the Silverhook, a newly built craft that had not entered the water in anger until this weekend. The race remained in the balance until the closing stages.

The British contenders, Drew Langdon and Miles Jennings in Silverline were content to take third place in the Evo class, passing the German boat mid-race and consolidating the position.

This was the weekend’s shorter sprint race over a distance of 47-miles but high temperatures and heavy seas combined to make for an exhausting ride. With cockpit temperatures reaching 40 degrees centigrade, several pilots suffered. None more so than Frank Hemelaar who collapsed on reaching land, what should have been a victory celebration turning into a dramatic few minutes on the side of the pontoon. He recovered shortly afterwards and will be fit to race tomorrow.

In Supersport, Antonio and Giuseppe Schiano di Cola and Francesco Calo in Karelpiu won the race in commanding fashion. The Neapolitan team RG87, racing a Mercury-powered Fountain, had started from pole and dominated proceedings from the first lap. Even the guile of the experienced Renato Guidi, Stefano Acanfora and Vittorio Foglia Manzillo, piloting SIF could do nothing to reel in the lead boat. They finished in second with Jolly Drive a distant third.

Now the preparation starts in earnest for tomorrows 74-mile endurance race, the closing leg of the UIM Malta Ocean Grand Prix.

UIM Malta Ocean Grand Prix (Round 01) PROVISIONAL

Sprint Race Results – Evo Class

Pos. – No. — Boat Name – Nat. – Time – Pts.

1 – 33 – Furnibo – BEL – 00:44:45:50 – 20

2 – 77 – Lucas Oil – SWE – 00:47:36:05 – 16

3 – 47 – Silverline – GBR – 00:46:21:55 – 12

4 – 66 – Hercules Sagemann – DEU – 01:03:51:03 – 7

Sprint Race Results – SuperSport Class

1 – 81 – Karelpiu – ITA – 00:47:55:09 – 20

2 – 38 – SIF – ITA – 00:49:45:57 – 16

3 – 06 – Jolly Drive – ITA – 00:47:55:43 – 12

www.oceangrandprix.org

New Model: Benetti Class 145 Vision

Benetti launches the new Class 145 Vision what is the new line up from this very famous status symbol Super Yacht builder.  As usual to Benetti there was great enthusiasm during the Catholic blessing launch ceremony, which was simple but quite moving. The launch was done in the ancient manner, with the boat entering the water stern-first from the ways of Benetti’s original launching site. The event was attended by the owner and his family and by all the people involved in building this beautiful vessel, that stands out for its modern and innovative design penned by Stefano Righini.  The Benetti Class 145 Vision takes over from the 140 Vision and is recognizable from the older model with darker window profile in the upper structure, although the owners still choose smaller vertical style windows in the cabins of the lower deck which open up again the big glass surfaces as outlined in the renderings of the project. Unlike standard Benetti Class 145 Vision for the interiors of hull sixteenth the owner choice went with Molori Design in collaboration with the staff of the shipyard. In standard the interiors are designed by Francois Zuretti. The contemporary style of the interiors is reflected in every item of furniture, down to the smallest detail, and are based on the personal tastes of the owner.  Molori created an atmosphere of refined decor, with a balance mix of classic and modern elements underscored by the gentleness of the natural materials used for the panelling.  Standard power for the Benetti Class 145 Vision is twin Cats 1300hp which give a top speed of 15 knots, and a cruise of 14.  

Technical Data:

LOA - 43.6 m (143.1ft)
Beam - 9.26 m

Draft - 2.27 m

Displacement - 390 t

Fuel Capacity - 61000 l

Water Capacity - 10000 l

Accommodation - 10 guest berths in five cabins, 9 crew berths

Engines - 2 x Cats C32 Acert C 1300hp

Propulsion - line shaft with Benetti designed propellers

Speed - 15 knots max, 14 knots cruse, 12 knots economic long range

Range - 3900 nm at 12 knots

Construction - fiberglass, gross reinforced plastic

Project - Stefano Righini exterior, Francois Zuretti interior (standard)

Certification - ABS A1 Yachting Service AMS, MCA Compliance

www.benettiyachts.com

Powerboat OGP - Malta Powerpole

The Belgian powerboat Furnibo, piloted by Frank Hemelaer and Pierre Colpin, secured Pole Position for tomorrow’s first leg of the UIM Malta Ocean Grand Prix, ahead of American challenger Lucas Oil by just 0.6 seconds.

With only four seconds separating the top three boats as they raced into Marsamxett Harbour, an exciting season beckons in the Evolution class.

In Supersport, the winner was Karelpui, the Italian craft of Giusseppe and Antonio Schiano di Cola and Francesco Calo. Fellow Italians, Federico Montanari, Alfredo Zanardo and Giambattista Gabriele, in the Yanmar-powered Jolly Drive were second.

Tomorrows first race of the 2011 UIM-OGP World Endurance Championship will start at 4pm local time and comprise 10 laps, 47 miles in total.

The Malta UIM Ocean Grand Prix Provisional Result

Pole Position Top 3 – Evolution Class

Pos. — No. — Boat Name — Nat. — Time

1 — 33 — Furnibo — BEL — 00:02:01:96

2 — 77 — Lucas Oil — SWE — 00:02:02:56

3 — 66 — Hercules Sagemann — DEU — 00:02:05:89

Pole Position Top 3 – SuperSport Class

Pos. — No. — Boat Name — Nat. — Time

1 — 81 — Karelpiu — ITA — 00:02:23:86

2 — 06 — Jolly Drive — ITA — 00:02:25:28

3 — 38 — SIF — ITA — 00:02:27:01

www.oceangrandprix.org

New Launch: Bayliss 65 B12

Bayliss continues to deliver its custom Sportfish Yacht to its exclusive clients.  The 65 feet B12 is the latest of its launches, and has a hull which is derived from the one foot smaller B10.  As is custom to Bayliss the 65 B12 is a modern interpretation of the Carolina battle wagon designed by Robert Ulberg, and constructed in cold molded, wood and epoxy to a modern jig method.  The owners of the B12 opted for a luxurious three stateroom, three head interior, finished in teak veneers.  Power is from twin 1900hp Cat engines of which the top speeds has not so far been announced.  Bayliss has at the moment four models in production, with two yachts waiting order confirmation.

Technical Data:

Length - 19.81 m (65ft)

Beam - 5.63 m

Draft - 1.60 m

Displacement - 33565 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 7570 l

Water Capacity - 1514 l 

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins

Engines - 2 x Cats C32 Acerts 1900hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Construction - Cold molded, epoxy with wood, jig method.  Teak veneer finished interior.

Project - Robert Ulberg, Ulberg Yacht Designs 

Certification - ABYC

www.baylissboatworks.com

Project: Rio 34 Espera

Rio presents the project of the 34 Espera.  This medium sized sport cruiser innovates in its style joining sleek lines with solution as found on a walk around boat.  Those who know the Rio brand might say that the North Italian company has already the Blu line which offers such a similar concept, but the 34 Espera does move into a more sportier aggressive category.  The 34 Espera will offer a four berth accommodation below which comes from a convertible V-berth sofa to fore, and a separate double bed mid ship cabin.  A more to the usual spacious for this size shower head will be located to starboard.  The cockpit which is the main living area of the 34 Espera uses all the beam of the boat with an L-shaped settee located to aft, central helm console, and a galley.  Other options like a more open sport fish layout will also be available, as the choice of a central hard top above the console. Power comes from a standard twin Mercruiser 305hp petrol gas engines, to optional Volkswagen 265hp diesel in a stern drive propulsion.  A twin outboard version named 34 Espera TA and powered by twin Mercury Verado's should also be available.     

www.rioyachts.net

New Model: Adagio 58 Europa

Adagio launches its new flagship with the presentation of the 58 Europa.  This new model represents the next step for the Adagio line of boats which are built in China to the specification of the European French company.  The 58 Europa features very US trawler looks with the benefit of an aft deck as is common in Europe for stern to mooring.  Inside it can be specified with different options. two for the main deck, and two for the below cabin area.  The split level saloon can be specified with a to the side starboard located or central helm station, with this last choice giving a smaller galley and larger C-shaped saloon.  Down below the choice is more simple offering a three cabins sleeping five, or two doubles with owners stateroom moving to mid ship and being a more spacious full beam affair.  Power specification have not so far been advise by Adagio say the 58 Europa can be specified with a single or twin engine from Volvo, and Yanmar. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 17.76 m (58.3ft)

Beam - 4.80 m

Draft - 1.50 m

Displacement - 27.5 t

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 2000 l

Water Capacity - 2 x 475 l

Accommodation - 5 berths in 3 cabins, or 4 berths in 2 cabins

Max Persons - 8 to CE A standard

Propulsion - line shaft

Construction - hand laminated fiber glass, with core sandwich for deck cabin, and epoxy barrier

Certification - CE A

www.adagio-yachts.com

Powerboat OGP - Malta Preview

Here we are again at the start of the 2011 season of the Powerboat Endurance championship, who after making last year without a promoter takes 2011 with Ocean Grand Prix from Malta taking care of this spectacular event.  It will be a challenge for the Maltese company, but the potential for the Endurance Series in both the Evolution and Super Sport class to become something big in the World of Motor Sport are on the cards.  The challenges for OGP are a lot, starting from the fact that the World economy still has not yet recovered fully from the 2008 and 09 recession, and continuing with restoring the believe in the championship from sponsors.

Round one of the 2011 season will start in Malta, home of Powerboat endurance races since 2004, and also to the Chaudron Powerboat, Super Sport class champion for three consecutive times from 2007 till 2009.

So far we we do not have a team list but as soon as this will be in hand we will update you with the details. Watch this spot for more.
Pole Position is scheduled for Friday at 1700 hours, Round One race on Saturday at 1600 hours, and Round Two scheduled for Sunday at the same time.

www.oceangrandprix.org

Project: Galeon 400 Fly

Just on the heels of launching its new flagship the Galeon 780 Crystal, the Polish builder presents the project of the 400 Fly.  This model a flybridge motor cruiser is scheduled to debut after the middle of 2011, and continues Galeon collaboration with British designer Tony Castro.  As usual to Galeon and Castro the 400 Fly offers modern exterior looks with a sea capable modified Vee shaped hull, which is followed by the usual flexibility coming from this Polish builder who make the interior and technical part suiting to various client tastes.  Various options can also change the concept of the 400 Fly; from a completely fitted mini galley on the flybride, extended bathing platform for larger tender space, and an electric convertible bed on the main saloon. Inside is for a split level saloon with a C-shaped galley located on the forward part. Folding doors make sure to make this area become one whole with the aft deck.  Below is space for a standard three cabin layout; owners stateroom with en-suite head to fore, and two double guest rooms located to mid ship.  But a more luxurious two cabins version should be available in the near future.  With the three cabins choice and optional convertible bed on the main saloon, the Galeon 400 Fly sleeps eight persons in four different areas.  Power options have not yet been announced, but Galeon again shows great flexibility in the propulsion area with the 400 Fly to be available with Volvo IPS, traditional line shaft, and stern drive choices.

www.galeon.pl

Improve-it = Absolute 64

Absolute follows what it did on the 70 flagship and presents additional choices for the propulsion of the second in size 64 model.  This modification for the fall 2009 launched 64 will give the choice to owners to have a twin propulsion and more power option versus the standard quadruple Volvo IPS configuration.  This new choice of twin Volvo largest IPS1200 units increases top speed by 2 knots.  Powered by third generation Volvo IPS and twin D-13 900hp engines the Absolute 64 now reaches a top speed of 36 knots, and a cruise of 28 knots.  The speed with the standard quadruple IPS600 435hp engines installation is for 34 max, and 27 knots cruise.  This optional choice adds only 60hp to the total power, but shows how the reduced drag of two IPS pods against four units give improved speed figures of 4% in cruise and about 7% in top speed, which should also bring similar reduction in consumption levels.

www.absoluteyachts.com 

New Model: Riviera 53 Enclosed Flybridge

Riviera launched the latest 53 Enclosed Flybridge model at the second largest down under Sanctuary Cove boat show.  This latest Riviera designed by in house naval architect Alex Dowd follows what we have seen with the previous new model the 43 Open Flybridge continuing the evolution of flybridge models inspired by the Sport Yacht range.  Looking like a Sportfish Yacht but may be the only thing game boat here is the free aft deck, as the 53 Enclosed Flybridge does offer amenities that are more for a normal motor yacht.  The interior of the 53 Enclosed Flybridge offers a three double cabins lower deck layout, with a crew cabin located to mid ship.  The master state room as the large windows suggest is located to mid ship and will also feature a walk-in wardrobe, beauty desk, and relaxing sofa.  The other two cabins are the VIP located to fore, and a bunk double berth located to starboard.  The saloon of the 53 Enclosed Flybridge also offers a convenient layout with a very practical astern galley, and a forward area with two settees.  An interior staircase leads to the top raised pilot deck, which will have a two seat helm station, C-shaped settee, and a small wet bar with galley.  Standard power for this latest generation Riviera 53 Enclosed Flybridge is three Volvo 435hp, with options coming from twin 900hp, or Cats 1015hp engines.  Propulsion is to be pods from both Volvo IPS forward dual propellers style used in triple units or larger latest 1200 series, or ZF aft looking units.   

Technical Data:

LOA - 18.2 m (59.8ft)

Hull Length - 17.2 m

Beam - 5.13 m

Draft - 1.25 m

Displacement - 22300 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 3500 l

Water Capacity - 1200 l

Accommodation - 6 + 2 berths

Engines - 3 x Volvo IPS600 D6 435hp, 2 x IPS1200 D13 900hp , 2 x Cats C12 1015hp

Propulsion - Volvo IPS600 or IPS1200 forward looking dual propeller pods, ZF 4000 aft looking pods

Speed - 35 knots max, 28 knots cruise with IPS1200

Range - 400 nautical miles on cruise speed

Project - Alan Dowd, Riviera

Construction - Vacuum infused fiberglass resins with solid GRP, and Cored areas

www.riviera.com.au