September 9, 2011

New Model: MJM 36z Downeast

MJM is Boston US builder who presents its latest 36z Downeast model.  MJM builds its boats in epoxy, and the 36z which is its second large model is surely no exception.  A different version for the 36z should be available later on.  The 36z Downeast is a lobster boat design and can sleep two in a classical Vee berth roomy cabin.  There is also a choice for an island berth in change to the convertible Vee shaped settee. A well sized galley, and separate shower head make part of the lower deck accommodation.  Here the US builder thinking more of offering high level of comfort than the most high number of berths.  A classical theme in many down East lobster looking cruisers. The main deck is synonymous with comfort offering two forward looking seats for helm and co-driver, two sofas, and two back looking benches.  The aft deck is left free.  Power is from twin Volvo 170hp standard, or optional 220 and 300hp engines with stern drive propulsion.  Top speed is 34 knots with twin 220hp engines.
Technical Data:
LOA -  11.98 m (39.4ft)
Hull Length - 10.97 m
Waterline Length - 10.16 m
Beam - 3.35 m
Draft - 0.73 m
Displacement - 5942 kg half load
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 378 l
Water Capacity - 408 l
Accommodation - 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Volvo D3 170hp, D3 220hp, D4 300hp
Propulsion - Volvo Ocean X or DPX dual propeller stern drive
Speed - 29 knots max 25 cruise with 170hp, 34 knots max with 220hp, 38 knots max with 300hp
Range - 315 nm at 25 knots with 170 or 220hp engines
Hull Shape - modified Vee with 18 degrees dead rise dead rise aft, and dual lifting strakes 
Construction - Epoxy with E-glass, Corecell closed cell core, Kevlar inserts 
Project - Doue Zurn
Certification - CE A

Project: Greenline GL40

Greenline present the project of the GL40 model, what is another explorer cruiser based on her smaller sister, the GL33. Introduced in September 2009, the Greenline 33 has found over 120 owners throughout Europe in the first year, and has been since awarded with numerous boat and environmental awards. Designed by Seaway and J and J Design from Slovenia the Greenline GL40 is a larger yacht of similar looks and the same philosophy as her smaller 33 sister: with ease of handling, safety and seaworthiness for long lasting well-being on board. The low-drag energy-saving Superdisplacement hull coupled to hybrid diesel electric engines, and solar technology brings unknown efficiency in for the use of this explorer cruiser. The GL40 will offer a six berth sleeping accommodation located in two cabins below, plus a convertible saloon on the main deck.  A single shower head located below serves the guests.  Power is from standard single 75hp which give speeds up to 9 knots.  But further options from a single 165, or 225, and twin 165hp engines give top speeds up to 18 knots.  The electronic engine is 20kw, and gives 20 minutes solo use, and a speed of 7 max, and 6 knots of cruise. 

September 8, 2011

New Model: Sabre 54 Fly Bridge Sedan

Sabre presents the 54 Fly Bridge Sedan, its new flagship model.  The 54 Fly Bridge Sedan steals hull from the hard top 52 model, and gets the second helm station up top, plus a wrap around L-shaped settee.  The 52 Sedan has now also been renamed as 54. This area is also available with a hard top, and full enclosure as the above pictures shows.  Down below the 54 Fly Bridge Sedan keeps a layout of high living standards all finished in high quality veneer woods.  The standard layout offers a living saloon on the main deck, galley below, and two cabins both with en-suite heads.  A three cabin version which moves the galley up should be available. Power is from standard Cats 865hp or Volvo 700hp with IPS pods.  This last choice gives 32 knots max, and 27 cruise.
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.68 m (58ft)
Hull Length - 16.37 m
Beam - 4.92 m
Draft - 1.30 m
Displacement - 25000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 3028 l
Water Capacity - 757 l
Accommodation - 4 or 6
Engines - 2 x Cats C15 865hp, Volvo D11 700hp
Propulsion - line shafts, or IPS 900 forward looking dual prop pods with Volvo 700hp
Speed - 32 knots max, 27 knots cruise, 21 knots economic cruise
Range - 370 nm at 21 knots
Hull Shape - Modified Vee planning with 23 degrees to midships, 15 degrees dead rise aft
Construction - ISO NPG gel coat, with Vinilester resin, Biaxial E-glass, Airex foam core in bottom and sides
Certification - CE B, NMMA, ABYC, USCG

Project: XL Marine 51 HT

After launching the first XL Marine 51 in 2008, and following it with four more builds as at 2011, this Italian builder presents the project for an HT for hard top version.  This new XL Marine 51 HT offers more easy all year usage of the 51 with the benefit of a hard top version complimenting the very open features.  The XL Marine 51 as all the models of the central Italian builder presents a very traditional line with flush fore deck and rounded windshield being its distinct characteristics.  All XL Marine also offer a custom approach with the 51 offering a choice of four different lower deck plans which can suit various owners tastes from a two cabins plus crew, to a three room interior for guests.  Standard power is twin MAN 800hp engines which give a top speed of 37 knots.

September 7, 2011

Improve-it = Botnia Targa 42/44

After presenting the Comfort Fore Cabin for the 35, and 37 models Botnia from Finland presents the same concept for the 42/44 offering a totally new level of comfort on board its flagship model. This alternative layout of the forward affects deck and cabin areas, with a raised part with secure railing and easy movement. Inside, the CFC offers plenty of space, storage and head room.  In the Targa 42/44 the large "island"-style bed, the extra pipe berth and the second en-suite-toilet offers truly extra flexible sleeping accommodation onboard.  The other benefits are the raised foredeck with stainless steek side railings, easy secure movement on deck, optional sun bathing mattress, and extra interior storage space. 

Project: Vismara 56MY Navetta

Vismare follow the recently launched MY Navetta 68, with the project of the MY Navetta 56. A similar project in terms of looks and design albeit a bit smaller which tweaks further the innovations we have seen in the futuristic 68.  So high technology construction is again a big feature of this model which not only comes in the form of advanced composites but in the structure of the yacht which allows to save 30% in weight.  The MY Navetta 56 is also a hybrid in many terms from its looks which share a tug work boat, but have that aggressive edge enough to be considered sports, to the planning of the interior with a living on the main deck and a lower level all dedicated to the two big cabins.  These being a full beam mid ship located owners stateroom, and VIP suite to fore, and a crew cabin located to aft with direct access to the engine room.  Other notes will be the tender garage aft, and an engine room with a lot of space and all mechanical technical items located in this area. Power for the Vismara 56 MY Navetta is from twin Volvo 435hp which give a top speed of about 28 knots.

New Model: Maritimo M48 Cruising Motoryacht Series II

Maritimo presents the Series II for the M48 Cruising Motoryacht launched the past mid summer in Sydney.  This model represents the entry level for the Cruising Motoryacht range, and third in size from Maritimo behind the 440, and 470 Offshore Convertible.  The Series II is an update to the one hundred launched first version.  Visible modifications are the central view window to port side, and more curvy shapes. The M48 Cruising Motoryacht Series II measures over all 51 feet, and is presented as a spacious enclosed bridge cruise with the looks of a sport fisher.  Inside it offers a three double cabin layout plan, but what surprises is the spaces it offers in all areas.  Other well thought amenities are the direct internal access to the enclosed bridge, the fully opening patio door, and the astern galley this being new for the Series II.  Power is from twin Volvo 670hp.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.7 (51.1ft)
Hull Length - 15.7 m
Beam - 5.2 m
Draft - 1.3 m
Displacement - 22000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 3500 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 670hp
Propulsion - line shaft

September 6, 2011

Project: Atlantis 58

Launching its new design direction as last year with the launch of the 48, Atlantis presents its new flagship with the 58 project set to debut in Cannes.  Just as the two models preceding it the 44 and 48 the Atlantis 58 is again a project of NeoDesign team of Salvetti and Biaggi, and here again we go for a very open sport yacht full of unique features. But apart space which the 58 offers in all areas, the new big Atlantis also has various options which can make it a different yacht for each owner.  Showing what was seen last year with first NeoDesign models, it is normal for the 58 to have one of the most spacious aft cockpit deck in this size. But this area is so large and offers some unique features that not talk about it is impossible, as the fully opening of the side windows to fresh the area with natural air, and dinette which sit and dine up to twelve people.  But the options are the face of the new Atlantis 58.  For example to stern one can have an aft crew cabin, or a large tender garage to carry bigger toys.  But down below the versatility continues in the three cabins plus dinette and galley lower deck.  The owner stateroom is a full beam and is located to midships, while a VIP suite is located to fore.  The third cabin comes in various shapes, in standard format this is fitted as a relaxing playing room with large TV area with a sofa that converts to a french bed, but on choice this can be changed to an office or a fitness area.  Power for the Altantis 58 is from standard MAN 1000 or optional 1200hp engines.  This last giving 38 knots of top speed.

September 5, 2011

Powerboat OGP - Siracusa, Sicily Grand Prix

RACE ONE
Furnibo, piloted by Pierre Colpin and Frank Hemelaer, triumphed during an exhilarating opening race of the UIM Siracusa Ocean Grand Prix, leading home Swedish-American team Lucas Oil. In the Supersport class, Federico Montanari, Alfredo Zanardo and Giambattista Gabriele in Jolly Drive took the chequered flag in commanding fashion.
As the green flag dropped on the first of this weekend’s shorter sprint races, high temperatures made for an exhausting ride. As the boats powered across the Ionian Sea throwing up spectacular rooster tails, it was the Belgian 2B1 Racing Team in Furnibo that stole a march on the field, pulling away to lead comfortably into the first buoy.
However, the Stirling-powered Lucas Oil boat of Michael Silfverberg and Nigel Hook was quickly on their tail and launched a challenge for the lead but could do nothing to catch the current Evo class leaders.
The German Searex team, in third, had made a good start but engine problems later forced them to retire. As the race moved into the closing stages, Furnibo had firmly secured their place on the top step of the podium with Lucas Oil having to settle for second.
Meanwhile, in SuperSport, Italian’s Jolly Drive showed the early pace, gaining good speed from the start and building a significant lead by the end of the first lap, with Karelpiu’ tucked in second place ahead of SIF. It wasn’t long though before the experienced Renato Guidi, Stefano Acanfora and Vittorio Foglia Manzillo reeled in and then passed the Mercury-powered Fountain, before settling into second place for the remainder of the race. Despite one last charge by Karelpiu’ in the closing stages, the father and son pairing of Guieseppe and Antonio Schiano di Cola, alongside Francesco Calo, finished in third.
UIM Siracusa Ocean Grand Prix (Round 03) PROVISIONAL
Sprint Race Results – Evo Class
Pos. — No. — Boat Name — Nat. — Time — Pts.
1 — 33 — Furnibo — BEL — 20
2 — 77 — Lucas Oil — SWE — 16
66 — Hercules Sagemann — DEU – DNF
Sprint Race Results – SuperSport Class
1 — 06 — Jolly Drive — ITA — 20
2 — 38 — SIF — ITA — 16
3 — 81 – Karelpiu’ — ITA — 12
RACE TWO
Jolly Drive, the Yanmar-powered Italian powerboat took its second consecutive victory in the SuperSport class of the UIM Siracusa Ocean Grand Prix to make a decisive move in the quest for the world title; an achievement they last accomplished in 2005. On a glass-like surface, Federico Montanari, Alfredo Zanardo and Giambattista Gabriele demonstrated the boat’s preference for flat waters, leading from start to finish. Behind them SIF and Karelpiu looked evenly matched and an intriguing battle for second place developed. That was, until on lap three the Mercury-powered Donzi of SIF took control when their rival missed a buoy. Despite making a swift course-correction, the gap was just too great for the Fountain boat despite making up significant ground over the 46 nautical mile Sprint course. All three Italian boats crossed the line within a few lengths of each other, suggesting that the fight for the season’s spoils will continue right down to the wire. In Evo, the tables were turned upside-down as the Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge of Michael Silfverberg and Nigel Hook took a first win of the season from the German Searex team, with Belgian boat, Furnibo failing to complete the required 70 percent race distance. The race had looked to be firmly in the grasp of Siegfried Greve and Douglas Verbanck in Hercules Sagemann, who had taken the lead from Lucas Oil on lap two, only for the German team to relinquish first place in the closing stages. Before today’s race, Furnibo, piloted by Pierre Colpin and Frank Hemelaer had dominated the championship with three consecutive wins. That lead is now fragile; the performance of Searex and the win for Lucas Oil, now under the supervision of the US powerboating legend Jerry Gilbreath, suggests that this won’t be the last win for the team.
PROVISIONAL Sprint Race Results
Evo Class
Pos. -- No. -- Boat Name -- Nat. -- Time -- Pts
1 -- 77 -- Lucas Oil -- SWE -- 00:37:50:87 -- 20
2 -- 66 -- Hercules Sagemann -- DEU – 00:38:10:44 -- 16 
- --  33 -- Furnibo -- BEL -- DNF -- 0 UIM Siracusa Ocean Grand Prix (Round 04)
SuperSport Class
1 -- 06 -- Jolly Drive -- ITA -- 00:36:54:27 -- 20
2 -- 38 -- SIF -- ITA -- 00:36:58:04 -- 16
3 -- 81 – Karelpiu’ -- ITA -- 00:37:00:86 -- 12
RACE THREE
The disappointment of yesterday’s engine problems were short lived for the Belgian 2B1 Racing Team as Furnibo, the Mercury-powered Fountain returned to form, taking the third and final race and the UIM Siracusa Ocean Grand Prix Evo title ahead of Lucas Oil.
The race had looked to be a foregone conclusion, with Furnibo building a substantial lead on the opening lap, but Michael Silfverberg and Nigel Hook in Lucas Oil began to unleash the potential of the Silverhook boat and close the gap. With their Stirling engines at full-chat, it looked like the pair could take the lead.
For eight laps the boats were a rooster tail apart, the defining moment coming with an opportunistic manouvre by the Belgians as four boats arrived at a buoy together. The Fountain dived ahead of two slower SuperSport boats with Lucas Oil forced to hold off, losing momentum and eventually the race. The German Searex Racing Team eventually retired with an alternator problem but not before posting five fastest laps. It was one of those days!
In SuperSport, another intriguing and compelling race unfolded with a three-way battle for the lead. Federico Montanari, Alfredo Zanardo and Giambattista Gabriele had started the race in dominant fashion and were on course to make it a weekend hat-trick for Jolly Drive but the Mercury-powered Fountain of Karelpiu and Donzi of SIF were definitely ‘at the races’.
The three Italian crews battled hard from start to finish providing close-fought action throughout. For most of the race only seven seconds separated the three Italian boats until SIF was forced to retire. The leading two boats continued to battle nose-to-rooster tail right up to the chequered flag, Karelpiu having stolen the lead with just three laps remaining. Today’s win brings the RG87 Racing Team within eight points of Jolly Drive at the seasons half way point and despite losing the race won the SuperSport class of the UIM Siracusa Ocean Grand Prix.
With both Championship titles still in contention, it is all to play for as the teams head to Milazzo in two weeks time. This inaugural Ocean Grand Prix season promises to go down to the wire, providing a nail-biting spectacle and world class racing action.
UIM Siracusa Ocean Grand Prix
Evo Class – PROVISIONAL Results
Pos. — No. — Boat Name — Nat. — Pts.
1 — 33 — Furnibo — BEL — 40
2 — 77 — Lucas Oil — SWE — 32
3 — 66 — Hercules Sagemann — DEU — 20
SuperSport Class – PROVISIONAL Results
1 — 06 — Jolly Drive — ITA — 56
2 — 81 – Karelpiu’ — ITA — 44
3 — 38 — SIF — ITA — 32
UIM Ocean Grand Prix Powerboat World Championship
Evo Class Standings
Pos. — No. — Boat Name — Nat. — Pts.
1 — 33 — Furnibo — BEL — 85
2 — 77 — Lucas Oil — SWE — 65
3 — 66 — Hercules Sagemann — DEU — 43
4 — 47 — Silverline — GBR – 12
SuperSport Class Standings
1 — 06 — Jolly Drive — ITA — 98
2 — 81 – Karelpiu’ — ITA — 90
3 — 38 — SIF — ITA — 48

Improve-it = Outer Reef 63

Outer Reef Yachts from USA have appointed Ken Freivokh to design custom interior for some of its models. This very high profile design collaboration for Outer Reef will surely increase brand awareness to the US company. After following the first designs for the 70 Motoryacht, Ken Freivokh does a similar modification to the 63 Motoryacht main deck interior decoration and fittings, which is now more modern looking and contemporary as the above rendering shows. The Outer Reef 63 Motoryacht weighs at about 33 tons, and sleeps six in a three cabins layout available in two different versions.  Power is from twin Cat engines of 503hp each.