New Model: Heysea Atlantic 115

Chinese yard Heysea Yachts has launched the first hull of its Atlantic 115. The first of a new Atlantic series, construction officially began in March 2018 after the keel was laid in September 2017.  Built to MCA and RINA standards, this raised pilothouse super yacht was developed in collaboration with Jure Bukavec of Uniellè Yacht Design. The interior has been developed by H2 Yacht Design, features accommodation for up to twelve guests split across five staterooms and a convertible Cabana-style beach club. The main-deck master cabin is undoubtedly the pick of the bunch as it benefits from 270-degree panoramic views out to sea. Other key features include an Opacmare Transformer swim platform, a spacious sundeck and crew accommodation for a staff of up to five people. The Heysea Atlantic 115 is powered by twin 1925hp Caterpillar engines for a top speed of 24 knots and a cruising range of 2000 nautical miles at ten knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 35.2 m (115.4ft)

Beam - 8.38 m

Draft - 1.72 m

Fuel Capacity - 20596 l

Water Capacity - 4497 l

Accommodation - twelve guests in five cabins, five crew in three cabins

Engines - 2 x Cats C32 Acert 1925hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 24 knots max 10 knots economic cruise

Range - 2000 nm at 10 knots

Project - Jure Bukavec of Unielle Yacht Design exterior, H2 interior

Certification - MCA, Rina C hull Mach Y short range

www.heyseayachts.com

Project: Prestige X70

In 2020, Prestige is launching a new product line which will start with the X70 as the first model of the range.  This Prestige X-line is designed by its long standing designer Garroni, with the concept coming from Valentina Militerno de Romedis and here the French brand part of the Beneteau Group aims to reinvent spaces and ease of movement on board. Created in a spirit of a larger yacht, the X70 offers infinite possibilities, blurring the line between the exterior and the interior. Based on volume, circulation and light, this concept for a luxury crossover enables you to benefit from the full beam of the yacht used to its maximum resource, reinventing space on board thanks to the wide body design.  The X70 is set apart by a radically different use of space. A traditional Flybridge uses 70% of the beam of the yacht for circulation via the sidedecks. The X70 breaks with these codes, although in pure honesty it not the first motor yacht which is doing this.  Fair to say that the wide body was first introduced in the USA starting in the eighties, on some of the fifteen meter plus motor yacht models, and in Europe Conam first with the 48 Chorum did introduce this design solution in lower sub fifteen meters models as what looks a distance year 1988.  The Chorum line did eventually introduce a 54 in 1993, which became a 60 in around 2004, and then also the 75 model flagship in 2005.  Obviously yacht design has evolved since then and in the Prestige X70 we will see latest design evolution.  Some details I like is the flash deck fore deck, while the aft deck offers a huge amount of space for this size of motor yacht.  No details are plans given yet for the interior but Prestige says the X70 is offered in three or four cabins layout sleeping six or eight persons.  Crew accommodation is for two persons.  The Prestige X70 is to be powered by standard Volvo 900hp engines, with optional for twin 1000hp units.  Top speed is estimated up to 29 knots.

www.prestige-yachts.com

Riviera Sinks off Rainbow Beach Queensland

A sixteen meter Riviera flybridge motor yacht titled m/y Shelly 2 sank off Rainbow Beach, in Queensland Australia on the morning of Monday 23 March.  According to some unconfirmed reports the origin of sinking started with a fire from a burning and overheating exhaust.  The four shocked persons onboard Shelly 2 where rescued by a commercial line fisher.  A man exploring the area with the canoe also rescued two dogs of the family. An update on the 26 March appearing on social media outlet Facebook by salvage company Rainbow Repairs showed Shelly II beached in a total loss situation without super structure and an open hull deck, with the engines still mounted.  

M/y Shelly 2 is a 2013 Riviera 53 Enclosed Flybridge as produced from 2011 to 2016 in 36 units.  The Riviera 53 Enclosed Bridge was evolved and replaced by the Riviera 57 Enclosed Flybridge.

New Model: Wim Van Der Valk Beachclub 660

The Van der Valk BeachClub line provides an unrivaled amount of exterior and interior space by locating the engine room in the further aft area under the swimming platform. After the first BeachClub 600 model, which launched in Summer 2019, the Dutch builder followed it with the larger 660.  A new way of thinking, the Beachclub series designed by Dutch designer Cor D.Rover is an innovative range of motor yachts and will pioneer the incredible degree of space on offer.  Three outdoor zones optimize the al fresco lifestyle. An enormous fore-deck area offers various layout options, including a Jacuzzi, the cockpit deck is an impressive location with an outside steering position, and a beach club aft features a smart swimming platform and a sun lounge area.  The Wim Van Der Valk Beachclub 660 offers two lounges, while next to the interior pilot house on the main deck, and another on the lower deck aft area. Accommodation is for three double cabins, with an owners suite forward.  A crew cabin with private head is located to starboard side in behind the large aft lounging area.  The Beachclub 660 is powered by twin Volvo 800hp which allow it to reach speeds up to 25 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 20.50 m (67.2ft)

Waterline Length - 18.8 m

Beam - 5.80 m

Draft - 1.50 m

Displacement - 38 t

Fuel Capacity - 4100 l

Water Capacity - 750 l

Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, one crew cabin berth

Engines - 2 x Volvo D13 800hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS3 pod drives

Speed - 25 knots max 20 knots cruise

Hull Shape - moderate Vee with hard chine

Construction - aluminium h321 for hull, h111 for super structure

Project - Cor D.Rover exterior and interior, Ginton naval arhitecture

Certification - CE A 

www.vandervalkshipyard.com

Terranova Super Yacht Fire in Viareggio

A 25 meter explorer yacht titled m/y Mr. Frank had an onboard fire on 25 March at around noon time at the public Viareggio Europe Harbor, on the Antonini quay.  The Viareggio coast guard was immediately on site and started chilling the fire aboard Mr. Frank and then got additional help by the CP813 patrol vessel.  The fire which around the upper structure was immediately controlled, and the damage minimized.

M/y Mr. Frank is a 2008 Terranova 85 Explorer as designed by Barracuda and produced from 2006 to 2009 in four units.  The Terranova 85 Explorer as the name says is inspired to explorer trawler vessels of the past.  The Terranova 85 Explorer is replaced by the upcoming new T9, what is its direct evolution.

Project: Solaris Power 58 Open

The Solaris Power range continues to expand, and presents the project of the 58 Open.  This new Solaris Power project is based on the hull of the 55 Lobster launched in Spring 2019, and follows on the success of the 48 Open launched in Cannes September 2019.  The Solaris Power 58 Open why sharing hull with the 55/57 Lobster will offer a full open main deck, with a full walk around deck from forward to aft, and central T-top covering helm station, exterior galley and dinette. To aft will be a large central sun-pad.   Down below she should be similar to the 57 Lobster which currently is offered in three versions of two and three cabins and a choice of a large interior galley, and an L-shaped settee replacing the third cabin.   The Solaris Power 58 Open will be powered by Volvo 600hp as standard, and or optional 725hp engines, both choices offered only with forward looking IPS pod drives.

www.solarispower.com

Improve-it = Absolute Navetta 52

During the 2020 Dusseldorf boat show, Absolute presented the new 2020 version of the Navetta 52.  Launched in 2016 the Navetta 52 has been a success for Absolute, now four years later to the launch of hull one the Italian Piacenza builder decided its time for an update.  Most of the update in the new 2020 version comes from outside, with new large and different shape hull side windows, and a radar arch which looks back from the previous forward looking version, and this adding also a larger hard-top.  These details will make it easy for people to recognize the new Navetta 52, 2020 and beyond version.  But the changes do not stop there and for 2020 thanks to Volvo, the Navetta 52 will also feature the option of large Volvo 480hp engines.  The standard options are still the same for Volvo's 435hp with IPS pod drives, while the interior layout is mostly unchanged with a three cabins two head layout below deck, and astern galley main deck.   

www.absoluteyachts.com

Project: Cayman S580

Cayman continues with its expansion plans, and presents the S580 project which come again from Italian designer Ferragni, the same person responsible for all latest models; F920, F520, and S520 this last currently under construction and set to launch in Summer 2020.  The Cayman S580 will present itself as a fully enclosed hard top sport yacht, with a three double cabins lower deck layout, all served with private shower heads, and including a full beam owners stateroom.  A one person crew cabin is located aft.  The dining, galley and living are all located on the main deck, and the first layout of the project also see a traditional central main deck located galley.  The Cayman S580 is to be powered by twin Man 800hp with line shaft propulsion.

www.caymanyachts.it

Sportfish Yacht Collides Into Southern Charleston Jetty

A sixteen meter Ocean sportfish yacht titled m/y Strike Finder with five persons onboard collided with the Southern Charleston Jetty, Charleston Harbor, South Carolina on 02:10 early morning time of Sunday 22 March.  Sea Tow reported the accident to the Charleston Coast Guard sector after one of the persons onboard the sportfish yacht made a call that they where stuck to the jetty and taking on water. A swift response by air-rescue to save the five crew was organized, with North Charleston Fire, Coast Guard Station Charleston, Coast Air Facility Charleston, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Mount Pleasant and Sullivan's Island Fire Department, Charleston Pilots, SeaTow, and TowBoatU.S assisting in this recovery.  The State Department of Natural Resources is investigating the incident.

M/y Strike Finder is an Ocean Yacht 52 Super Sport as produced from 2001 to 2006.  The Ocean Yachts 52 Super Sport came out as a replacement to the 53 Super Sport, and was replaced by the 54 Super Sport.

Aicon New Web Site

Aicon Yachts presents its new World wide web showroom.  Starting up in 1993 as a turnkey interior design solution for yachts, the company moved to Sicily in the Messina area in 1996, and in 1999 it showed its aim to become a boat builder. In 2001 Aicon launched its 56 model, designed by Fulvio de Simoni.  The first Aicon was an important success, which sold over one hundred units in an eight year production run and also received the 2002 Cannes World Yachts Trophy in its size. In 2007 Aicon acquires the down East lobster boat Morgan brand.  In 2012 Aicon closes its doors due to the 2008 financial and the 2012 Italian crises which hits the boating sector hard.  In 2018 American investors Marc-Udo Broich and John Venner buy the Aicon name and set out to prepare a plan for relaunch.  Currently Aicon is offering three models, a new Sergio Cutolo designed 66 set to be launched in the end of 2020, the 72, and the 85.  The new Aicon website takes you around with the following buttons; Home, Yachts, Aicon Yachts History, News and Events, Press Area, Contacts, and Login.  Aicon is also on social media with button links at the bottom of the page taking you into its Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. 

www.aiconyachts.com

Production History;

56 2001-08 (100+)  Fulvio de Simoni design

52 2003-05 (5+-)

64 Fly 2004-12 (40+)  Marco Mannino design

72 S 2005-12 

54 2006-12 (10+-)

62 2006-12 (20+)

85 2006-15 (6)

75 Flybridge 2007-12 (5+-)

90 2008 (1)

58 Flybridge 2008-12

82 Open 2009-12

66 Vivere 2022-  Sergio Cutolo design