New Model: Princess V78

With a bold exterior concealing a spacious interior, the new Princess V78 is the flagship of the Plymouth boat builder since 1995 going strong V Class range. Central access from the hydraulic bathing platform leads you between twin sunbeds to a configurable cockpit then onward to a well-equipped galley, dining area and saloon. The fore-deck features innovative seating with sun-pads which can be converted to create additional aft facing seats. Her cavernous main deck saloon opens up through an electric roof above, or seamlessly to the outside through full length side windows. Below deck, eight guests enjoy four large en suite cabins, all bathed in natural light from her contemporary hull windows and a further twin cabin aft for occasional guests or crew. Powered by twin Man 1900hp engines the new Princess V78 can reach speeds up to 39 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 24.48 m (80.4ft)

Hull Length - 24 m

Beam - 5.76 m

Draft - 1.62 m incl props

Displacement - 53605 kg medium load

Fuel Capacity - 6000 l

Water Capacity - 1350 l

Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins, one crew cabin berth

Engines - 2 x Man V12 1900hp

Propulsion - line shaft with five bladed propellers

Speed - 39 knots max

Project - Olesinski

www.princessyachts.com

David P. Martin 1930 - 2019

David P. Martin Sr., 89, of Brigantine, New Jersey went home to be with the Lord on November six surrounded by his loving family. Born in Atlantic City, NJ he was the son of the late John S. and Mary W. Martin. He was the devoted husband of Margaret Jean. As a child David loved to watch boats being built, raced sailboats at the Evening Star Yacht Club, and he dreamed of designing his own vessels. He began his boat career at the Egg Harbor Boat Company and while working there he enrolled in a correspondence course from Westlawn School of Yacht Design. Upon graduating as a Naval Architect in 1953, he worked briefly in New York City for Sparkman & Stephens Inc., but he always knew he wanted to be his own boss. So in 1955 he came back to Brigantine to begin designing more Fuel-efficient boats, starting his own business and designing boats for Pacemaker, Hubert Johnson Boat Manufacturers, Egg Harbor, Alglas, and Ocean Yachts. He will design all Ocean Yacht from its founding model in 1977 the 40 Super Sport to the 2011 37 Express. David practiced naval architecture for over 65 years. In addition to being a Naval Architect, David was the author and self-publisher of "The Book of Dave Martin Designs" which weaves tales of his childhood with blueprints of his own designs and instructions on building fuel-efficient boats. In 1965, David became a Life Member of S.N.A.M.E. Society of Navel Architecture and Marine Engineers. He published many other books including Naval Architects Notebook Volume 1 and 2 and his designs were featured in boating magazines throughout his career. He will be missed and fondly remembered by his wife of 66 years; Margaret Martin, daughters; Patricia and Marje and husbands, son David P. (Holly) Martin Jr., grandchildren; David P. Martin III, Steven Martin, Travis Fecht, Jordan Fecht, Logan Fecht.

Project: Solaris Power Lobster 78

Solaris entered the power segment in 2019 with a bang, presenting two models and an interesting plan ahead of a five model line up from fourteen up to 26 meters.  After the launch of the 55, and 48 Open models respectively, Solaris now is presenting details for its second large project, the Lobster 78.  The Solaris Power Lobster 78 is as the name says inspired to the Down East boat, but beside the sweeping sheer line, and flared bow, this is a flybridge motor yacht in essence and substance.  Offering a four cabin lower deck interior the Lobster 78 will feature an interesting living area with an opening balcony to port side.  A galley will be located in the central area of the main deck, with opposite the eight person dinette.  The Lobster 78 by the first layout designs will also feature an option for an internal stair case from the saloon to the flybridge.  Norberto Ferretti was always keen on this feature so often forgotten today, and in the past he actually offered this in nearly all his flybridge models even those sub fifteen meters.  The Solaris Power Lobster 78 in the renderings looks to be powered by a triple engine set up with what looks Volvo's IPS pod propulsion. 

www.solarispower.com

New Model: Viking 46 Billfish

Just after the Billfish appeared in the scene in around 2007, a few years later everyone was asking the same question, to make a bigger one.  A turn of events from a global recession to the sale of the Ocean Yachts brand led to Viking taking the molds from Ocean Yachts and a new Billfish was born in 2017.  Fast forward to 2019, and finally a bigger Viking 46 Billfish has arrived in flesh and fiberglass.  The Viking 46 Billfish will excel as either an owner/operator or captained sportfish cruiser. Offering simplicity and ease of maintenance, she’s a ready-to-go fishing machine equipped for inshore and offshore missions as well as a versatile cruising boat with reliable inboard diesel power.  The thirteen square meters cockpit has room for the entire crew or family. The cockpit sole is built with a laminated in-deck mounting plate for fighting chair, rocket launcher or table installations. Standard equipment and features include a cockpit bait freezer with upper tray, in-deck insulated fish boxes port and starboard with overboard drainage, a walk-through transom door and lift gate, a transom fish box and live well, rod holders, tackle storage and fresh and sea-water wash downs. Two-person, mezzanine-style seats flank the center-line walk through, and there’s refrigerated drink storage in the starboard mezzanine step, as well as ample general stowage throughout.  The 46 Billfish command deck can be completely enclosed and is climate-controlled. The command deck features a salon-like living area with a roomy U-shaped lounge and hi-lo table and a lounge that extends along the starboard side. Both seating areas hold rod storage underneath.  Like our legendary Viking convertibles, the 46 Billfish flybridge is designed with a tournament-style center console walk-around helm. The 46 Billfish has Palm Beach-style controls and power-assist hydraulic steering. Seating includes a single Release Marine teak chair, with a second helm chair available as optional, and lounges to port and starboard and a forward console seat. Rest up and recharge in the 46 Billfish’s air-conditioned cabin. Featuring high-gloss teak cabinetry and custom Amtico flooring, the fully appointed starboard-side galley has an L-shaped Corian counter-top, a two-burner electric stove, a microwave/convection oven, cabinet storage and under-counter drawer-style refrigeration with a built-in ice maker. The private head, which is conveniently located immediately to port of the companionway stairs, has a large walk-in shower with satin nickel fixtures, an attractive Corian-topped vanity with sink and storage and a medicine cabinet with mirrored doors. Easily accessible upper and lower bunks on the port side await weary anglers, and there’s a hanging locker only a few steps away. The first-class accommodations continue in the private forward stateroom, with its island queen bed, a hanging locker, upper storage cabinetry and a flat-screen TV with stereo, speakers and DVD player.  The engineroom, lazarette and forward bilges are painted with Snow White Awlgrip for increased visibility and ease of maintenance. A large center-line hatch gives you quick access to the engines.  The Viking 46 Billfish is standard powered bt twin Cummins 715hp, while twin Man 800hp are available as optional.

Technical Data:

LOA - 13.97 m (45.6ft)

Beam - 4.67 m

Draft - 1.24 m incl propellers

Displacement - 19433 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 2392 l

Water Capacity - 375 l

Accommodation - four berths

Engines - 2 x Cummins QSM11 715hp, Man I6 800hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Construction - Resin infused Vinylester resin, end grain balsa and closed cell core used in selected areas

Project - Viking Design Team headed by David Wilson

www.vikingyachts.com

Project: Silent 44

Silent Yachts present the project for a new 44 entry level to its unique range of solar powered catamaran yachts.  The smallest Silent catamaran is an oceangoing solar electric boat that meets the highest ship building standards, respects the environment and makes no compromises regarding luxury cruising at the same time.  In the standard power configuration of the two 30kw electric motors it achieves a maximum speed of 12 knots, but the propulsion can be upgraded to twin 80kw with this increasing speed up to 15 knots. The Silent 44 will offer interior layout with three or four double cabins including a central located owners cabin.  With the Silent 44 it is possible to cross the oceans with pure and clean solar energy, without giving up comfort from a conventionally powered yacht.

www.silent-yachts.com

Super Yacht Trouble in North Liguria Sea

A 25 meter super yacht departing from Aregai Marina on fourth November had to make an emergency stop in San Remo at around 1100 hours, just after five nautical miles into its journey due to hull damage under way resulting in water entering inside and a risk of sinking.  The super yacht made an emergency mooring in San Remo yacht marina and was immediately provided with assistance from the local Fire Fighting Squad.  The operation resulted even more difficult with the area having an orange to yellow alarm for waves, and wind forecast reported to go over fifty knots in the morning in the Ligurian sea area from Ventimiglia down to La Spezia.  At around 1300 hours the 25 meter super yacht was reported safe, while a second pump was being called.  At 1400 hours after a hull inspection, the super yacht was found having two holes in the bottom, so it will be impossible for it to navigate to any repair facility, with a huge crane being called to lift up for a temporary fix and then taking her to a specialist yacht yard for repairs.

Motor Yacht Beatris involved in this accident is a Cantieri Navali Lavagna Admiral 27 legno.  The Admiral 27 legno for wood construction, was produced from late seventies till mid eighties, and came from a design of Poalo Caliari. It is not clear how many Admiral 27 legno Cantieri Navali Lavagna build, but I do know that two other sister vessels do exist. The Admiral 27 was replaced by the 26 L.L in mid eighties.

New Model: Spirit P70

Spirit Yachts has launched its largest modern classic motor yacht, the Spirit P70, outside its waterside yard in Ipswich, Suffolk. The P70 was designed by Spirit Yachts for an experienced motor yacht customer who requested an owner-driven yacht capable of cruising one thousand nautical miles at an average of 18 knots across the North Sea without having to refuel. As with all Spirit yachts, the P70 has been completely customized to suit the owner’s itinerary and criteria. Constructed using Sapele ring frames to which Douglas fir longitudinal strips were bonded, the P70 build followed the same core processes of Spirit’s sailing yacht hulls. Once the initial structure was complete, diagonal layers of kaya wood planking were laid down, sanded and vacuum infused with a thin layer of epoxy resin. This lightweight method of construction means that at 24 tonnes the P70 is almost half the weight of a similar size fiberglass counterpart. Twin Man 800hp engines will generate a cruising speed of 18 knots and a maximum of 25 knots.  Layout the P70 offers a flybridge with two double Stidd helm seats and additional seating for six guests. The wheelhouse sits midships on the main deck and has double and single Stidd seats located in front of the navigational equipment and engine controls. An additional raised sofa is to port, with a chart table and stowage to starboard. A few steps down and forward of the wheelhouse is the main saloon, complete with a ‘rise and fall’ TV, a bar and panoramic views from the forward windows.  The lower deck houses the accommodation and living area. Stairs from the main saloon lead down to a forward ensuite owner’s cabin, complete with a bath, and an ensuite single cabin, which doubles up as an office.  A separate stair case down from the wheelhouse provides access to a single day head and the open plan dining saloon and galley. The saloon dining table has a U-shaped port side sofa, with additional seating to starboard, wine storage and a TV. The well-equipped galley includes an American style fridge-freezer with built in ice-maker, below floor chest fridge, dishwasher, twin sinks, four burner induction hob, a fan oven and a microwave. Aft of the dining area are two twin guest cabins, which share a head and shower.

Technical Data:

LOA - 21.7 m (71.1ft)

Hull Length - 21 m

Waterline Length - 20.8 m

Beam - 5 m

Draft - 1.7 m loaded

Displacement - 24 t light 36 t loaded

Fuel Capacity - 10000 l in four tanks

Water Capacity - 1200 l

Accommodation - six/ seven berths in four cabins, 

Engines - 2 x Man I6 800hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 24 knots max 18 knots cruise

Range - 1000 nm at 18 knots

Construction - wood with epoxy 

Project - Sean McMillan

www.spirityachts.com

Project: Ocea Nautilus 45

French super yacht builder Ocea present the project for the Nautilus 45 designed by Philippe Briand.  To be build in alloy Nautilus 45 is a super yacht that embodies an adventure lifestyle, satisfying a desire to explore landscapes first-hand. The Nautilus 45 offers a six double guest cabins interior, from a full-width master suite on the main deck and five large guest cabins. Efficiency is achieved through the use of Ocea's favorite material, aluminium, which makes it possible to design a lighter, more economical, faster yacht that can go further without refuelling. The size of the tenders also plays a role in going further. With the Nautilus 45, the idea was to design a yacht that can go into areas where there is no port or dock. The large tenders offer a way to explore bays and coastlines where the yacht cannot venture, and this is achieved with space for two eight meter long tenders, stowed on the main deck, offering guests optimal comfort for a wide range of exciting day adventures. In the same spirit, an exclusive boarding system, called easy-boarding, was developed to facilitate access to the tenders. Easy-boarding provides the convenience and safety of a real dock, even near the most inhospitable shores.  No power details are so far given but the Nautilus 45 can reach speeds up to sixteen knots, and cruise at twelve, this giving a range of four thousand nautical miles.

www.ocea-yachts.com

New Launch: Cantiere Delle Marche K42 Audace

In January 14th 2019, Cantiere delle Marche launched its largest build to date with K42 Audace successfully touching the water. K42 Audace is a surprising, extra-ordinary super yacht, whose shape and features are surely out of the ordinary. Audace fulfills her Owner's long-held project to commission a pure custom explorer yacht. Her Italian Owner will live on board all year round hence the need to create environments and amenities that perfectly fit his lifestyle. The project stems from a fruitful collaboration of all parts involved in its development and all players are as expert, innovative and respected as might be expected of such a complex project. For Cantiere delle Marche K42 Audace is a first. It is indeed the first pure custom explorer vessel the Ancona-based shipyard has ever built and, when it was commissioned, it represented for CdM the first step into a new segment of the market. The project brings the signature of Andrea Pezzini from Floating Life who developed the K series in conjunction with Mauro Sculli entrusted for the naval architecture. The project has been engineered by Sergio Cutolo of Hydro Tec. Project Manager for the yard is young and skilled Domenico Ranieri who worked in close collaboration with Andrea Pezzini from Floating Life who also acted as owner representative.  Spread on five deck, a large tank deck included, Audace has four guest cabins, two on the Lower deck with balconies, and two on the Main deck with direct access to the side passages. Nine berths for crew. The Owner apartment is on the highest level, above the Upper Deck. A professional galley allows two chefs to prepare meals for up to 250 guests. A Land Rover Defender, a BMW motorbike, water-ski, and a crew tender are stored on the forward deck while a large tender, hauled with a nine tons capacity crane, is on the Main deck aft. Two discotheques, one on the Lower deck and one on the Main deck, are fully equipped for dancing all night long.  Cantiere delle Marche is powered by twin Caterpillar 1450hp engines which allow for speeds up to 16 knots, and a cruise of ten which allows for a range up to 5400 nautical miles.

Technical Data:

LOA - 42.80 m (140.4ft)

Beam - 9.40 m

Draft - 2.75 m

Displacement - 450 t full load

Fuel Capacity - 62000 l

Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, nine crew in ten cabins

Engines - 2 x Cats C32 Acert Swac 1450hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 16 knots max 10 knots cruise

Range - 5400 nm at 10 knots cruise

Project - Andrea Pezzini Floating Life exterior, Mauro Sculli naval architecture, Sergio Cutolo from Hydrotec engineering

www.cantieredellemarche.it

Sophisticated Marketing

The new Azimut S10 product video, created some negative comments on social media.  The video of one minute 33 seconds long, sees a girl doing naked art dancing and in between we see short shots of the super sport yacht, and then ending with it launching in speed nicely.  This is not the first time that video criticism has arrived, and with Youtube it is very easy to do it.  In the past I do remember a video for a new Princess yacht which looked like a short novel, having a similar negative critique. 

The Youtube platform has expanded the possibilities of boat builders to promote product endlessly for free.  Now in recent years we have entered a stage of sophistication marketing from the popular famous brands who are doing videos which match in quality and style those of high end cars. 

But do boaters really want this?  

The comments following the Azimut S10 and other similar videos is always that the viewers want to see more of the boat and learn about it, then an actual marketing ploy.  Sometimes it seems that marketers do not realize that social media is different to TV, as these launch model videos, do actually look like to be created for the old medium.  

It is to understand, that YouTube and the new modern social media medium is different.  Look at channels as Aquaholic, SuperYachtCaptain, BoatTube, MBY, NonSoloMare on the less sophisticated front, TheBoatShow and BoatTest on the sophistication side of things and others that I have forgot.  What one notices especially in the first group above is that they have basic filming done with a GoPro or two and similar set up.  But they do bring the viewers what they want to see and have a huge success. Viewers of Youtube and similar social media videos want content not a one minute impact video suited for a premium time television advert!  The numbers actually support a basic filming and a natural approach, and some of the above do have views in the thousand just after a day or two. 

To be fair I think Azimut knows about this, and did make walk through videos of its models.  Result the walk through video of the Azimut 60 has 150000 views, while the product only 11000.  Interesting numbers!  But can really a popular famous brand do without a sophisticated new model launch video.  Probably not, but toning it down a little, and showing more of the boat in navigation, something an owner rarely sees, and its features want do any harm.