Project: Benetti 80 meters Project Iron Man

Benetti announces the sale for a custom eighty meter super yacht, code named Project Iron Man, this new order showcases Benetti’s worldwide appeal as a builder of full custom super yachts. At 80 meters, she embodies her owner’s ideals, expertly interpreted by Benetti and the designer, a common vision was realized to raise the bar across the board. Project Iron Man is a testament to Benetti's commitment to excellence in yacht building. The full-custom 80-meter yacht is a repeat Benetti owner, who sought out the Italian's expertise to create a yacht on the frontiers of design, technology, and seakeeping. With exteriors designed by Giorgio Maria Cassetta and his Designers Team, the mega yacht meets the highest standards for refinement and quality of life. The owner, having fallen in love with the aesthetics, functionality and reliability of Benetti from a previous vessel, returned to the Shipyard to rediscover and refine a shared vision with deep involvement in the design process. One of the key considerations was creating large outdoor entertaining areas to accommodate the owner’s multi-generational family, offering the relaxing and scenic environments they are used to on their current Benetti, ensuring the peace and tranquility they cherish. The delivery of Project Iron Man is anticipated in late 2028, marking the beginning of a new chapter for her owners and a proud achievement for Benetti.

www.benettiyachts.it

New Model: Otam 90 GTS

Following its test launch in May, the initial sea trials, immediately confirmed that the first GTS version of the new Otam 90 model exceeded all expectations. Comfort, space, and style blend seamlessly in the luxurious 28-meter super sport yacht with outstanding performance. The Otam 90 GTS titled m/y Sexy Me achieved a top speed of 45 knots, surpassing its contracted 42 knots, thanks to its pair of powerful 2,600 horsepower MTU engines, Arneson surface propellers and a hull meticulously designed by Umberto Tagliavini and Aldo Scorzoni of Marine Design and Services. This configuration ensures exceptionally smooth and responsive navigation, combined with excellent sea-handling capabilities, confirming Otam's esteemed global reputation and consistency. This achievement is even more remarkable when considering the additional weight on board compared to the original design, following specific requests from the owner, including the customized rotating gangway, stabilizers, extensive use of marble in both the interiors and exteriors, an advanced stereo system with a dedicated rack room and much more. The remarkable silence at all speeds is noteworthy, especially since the GTS is a semi-open version. Onboard comfort has greatly impressed both the client and the shipyard builder, thanks to meticulous attention to sound insulation. Customized design is a distinctive feature of the Otam 90 GTS, following the tradition of the Italian shipyard. Thanks to the collaboration with Giuseppe Bagnardi of the BG Design firm, the new flagship stands out for its unique and tailor-made details. The helm console, for example, is inspired by the world of racing cars with a carbon-fiber structure that resembles the protective ‘halo’ system used by Formula 1 and other racing cars. This structure also features an integrated and independent cooling system to keep the console electronics at a constant temperature. The air intakes on the front of the yacht and ‘snorkel’ on the hardtop further recall the hood and roof scoops on high-performance luxury cars. The hull coated with metallic silver paint with bronze accents, specially developed by Awlgrip for the owner, is just one aspect that reflects its personality. The layout of the first Otam 90 GTS, naturally full custom, accommodates guests in its three ensuite cabins. Below deck there is the full-beam owner’s suite, a VIP cabin, a third guest cabin and a lounge with an office rack room for the stereo system. On the main deck, in addition to the spacious convivial cockpit with an opening hard top, there is specific access to the kitchen, which is deliberately separated from the VIP section. The crew area is generously sized and features independent access. Aft, there is a large sunbathing space and a large bathing platform. Forward, a spacious dinette with relaxation and dining area are always accessible thanks to the generous and comfortable side walkways. Prominent among the Otam 90 GTS’s endless customization possibilities are full or half-height side windows, single or double hull window, for the master suite; a larger or smaller garage, in this case capable of accommodating a 4.35 m tender which can vary in size upon request. The new flagship of the Italian shipyard is also available in the hard top version, with a closed salon on the main deck. Otam's hand building custom approach once again confirms the yard's intention and ability to meet very demanding owners, with the majority of these coming from super yacht ownership in developing unique projects as the ultimate expression of exclusivity and luxury in today's market, with this new 90 GTS, as was the case of the beautiful 85 GTS, and all the custom 80's delivered thus far, and also the 58 GTS. The flagship of Otam's Fast and Iconic range will debut at the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival 2024 in September, with the Genoese shipyard also celebrating its seventieth anniversary.

Technical Data:

LOA - 27.75 m (91.1ft)

Hull Length - 23.95 m

Waterline Length - 23.5 m

Beam - 6 m

Draft - 1.52 m

Displacement - 70 t loaded

Fuel Capacity - 8000 l

Water Capacity - 2000 l

Accommodation -  two, or three, or four double cabins layouts, one crew cabin for two

Engines - 2 x MTU 16V2000M96L 2600hp

Propulsion - Arneson ASD15 A1S surface drive with ZF 3070 gear boxes

Speed - 43 knots max, 36 cruise

Project - Giuseppe Bagnardi BG Design exterior, Umberto Tagliavini and Aldo Scrozoni naval architect

Certification - CE A, ISO8666 for dimensions

www.otam.it

Propulsion: Sharrow By Veem

 

Sharrow Marine, a subsidiary of Sharrow Engineering LLC, the industry leader in innovative marine propulsion technology, announced today a significant advancement in its partnership agreement with Australia-based Veem Ltd, a designer and manufacturer of disruptive, high-technology marine propulsion and stabilization systems. After months of collaborative design work and testing of Sharrow by Veem prototype designs on Veem’s 64’ Viking test vessel, the companies confirmed that the key benefits of the Sharrow Propeller over conventional propellers can be replicated for inboard vessel applications. Sharrow and Veem have verified that the results of the rigorous testing, specifically improved fuel efficiency, a significant reduction in vibration and noise, improved handling, and excellent reverse thrust meet the contractual criteria for progression to the next phase in their partnership. Both parties are now committed to, and working toward, the manufacture and sale of the Sharrow by Veem range of propellers for inboard vessels, focusing initially on fulfilling pre-orders to ensure the bespoke designs are optimized for each vessel and then testing the propellers upon installation to validate the comparative results. This data will be critical for expanding the wide range of applications for inboard vessels globally. This rollout signifies a breakthrough in commercial marine propulsion and enables expanded defense opportunities in Australia and the US, particularly regarding reduced noise and vibration, and operational performance of military vessels. Additionally, both companies recognize the potential of this technology to contribute to global sustainability efforts. The Sharrow by Veem propellers align with international initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and marine noise pollution, promising a more sustainable future for marine transportation.

www.sharrowmarine.com

Heavy Rain Unmoors Dock in Lake Ontario

Heavy rain has ripped a dock in Navy Flats Park, Oaksville, sending the dock and about twenty boats from six to thirteen meters in size drifting into Lake Ontario, at about 13:30 of Tuesday sixteen July. The runaway boats and tens of thousands of dollars of damage were only a slice of the chaos on Tuesday, when the nearby area grounded to a halt as nearly 100 mm of rain overwhelmed its infrastructure with about 170,000 homes and businesses losing power as subway stations and highways flooded. Oakville Marine Search and Rescue assisted the boaters in retrieving the boats with a second crew coming out to help.  There were no injuries, and for the most part, the boats avoided any significant damage.  

But the damage could have been magnitudes greater, with the outcome being very different if this happened on a weekend, when hundreds of people would have been around the harbor. Instead, no boats sank, and collision damage was at a minimum.

Project: Rustler 41

 

Rustler was an unknown name to me, up until some months ago when I came across the rendering of this 41 project as designed by Tony Castro.  Doing some research I have found that Rustler was founded in the early eighties in Falmouth debuting with a 36 sailing boat, and today offers a seven model sail yacht range from 24 up 57.  The Rustler 41 is the Falmouth yacht builder debut in motor boating, with British designer Tony Castro presenting a two cabin lower deck layout with a living on the main deck.  The first unit is currently in build and is to be powered by twin Yanmar 320hp on shaft drives, with pod or outboard options also factored in the design for different customers requests.

www.rustleryachts.com

Cuddy Cabin Cruiser Sinks at South Bass Island State Park

An unattended seven meter cuddy cabin sport cruiser sank while moored in Lake Erie at South Bass Island State Park, Ohio on the afternoon of Monday fifteen July.  The cuddy cruiser sank with heavy rain, and the waves which struck the boat from outside the dock.  A storm which hit the North East part of USA and South East of Canada created heavy damage for a couple of days, including heavy rail fall which resulted in power cuts.  The cuddy cabin cruiser was recovered on the following day by TowboatU.S.

The boat in this sinking is a Mariah Z241 as produced in the late nineties.  Mariah was founded in 1989, closing down and purchased by Sea Fox in 2001.

New Model: Neptunus 750SL

Neptunus has just launched its new 750SL flagship model. The 750SL is designed by Gregory C. Marshall and is based on the 750F, with the flybridge replaced by the enclosed sky lounge. The fully-enclosed skylounge is tastefully appointed with twin leather helm seats, state-of-the-art navigation electronics and a next generation helm. Access the skylounge from the interior of the yacht, or from an aft deck staircase. The skylounge offers outstanding visibility for piloting the Neptunus 750SL, and offers exquisite views and comfort while relaxing. Once presenting a new model Neptunus decided to add new design elements from bow to stern to the 750SL beside the Skylounge and is standard finished in natural walnut joinery with leather accents throughout the vessel. The full-beam master stateroom has sweeping windows and a walk-in cedar-lined closet. The salon offers a whole new level of comfort and pride. The galley has been designed with extended cruising in mind. And the new design touches from the creative mast atop the skylounge, to the bow area configuration for ground tackle and ropes, to the stylish blue LED deck lights and the backlit Neptunus logo will delight day and night.

Technical Data:

LOA - 23.77 m (78ft)

Beam - 5.76 m

Draft - 1.60 m

Displacement - 58,059 kg

Fuel Capacity - 6011 l

Water Capacity - 1230 l

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

Engines - 2 x Cats C32 1825hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 32 knots max, 26 cruise

Project - Gregory C. Marshall

www.neptunusyachts.com

One Injured as Aft Cabin Cruiser Goes Ablaze in Pointe-du-Chêne

One male boater was injured as a ten meter aft cabin cruiser went ablaze inside the marina at the Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf in Shediac, New Brunswick, Canada on the afternoon of Sunday fourteen July.  Some testimonies said the male boater was having some engine problems before the boat exploded first and then went ablaze later.  After this the boat went drifting in the marina with the heroics of a group of jet skiers making this a one boat incident, after they towed the boat to a safe area before heading for the gas bar and yacht club.  The Coast Guard and Police are investigating the cause of the fire.

The boat in this fire is a Cooper Prowler 33 Aft Cabin, as produced in the eighties.  Founded in 1970 by Forbes Cooper, Cooper Enterprises was a Canadian boat builder based in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, building sailboats first and powerboats later, closing its doors in 1990.  In its early years Cooper also produced the Catalina 22 and 27 sail boats under license.

Project: Steeler B62 Beachclub

Steeler is currently doing the finishing touches for the B62 Beachclub. Build of aluminum the B in B62 stands for the Bronson line which is Steeler line of fast yachts designed and marketed for the North American market.  The Steeler B62 Beachclub will offer a three double berths accommodation with a forward master stateroom, with the lower deck connected to the stern layout with patio doors.  The main deck is actually a helm station partly covered with a three part hard-top.  The first Steeler B62 Beachclub which is currently being finished in the Netherlands, will feature an Aston Martin Tungsten silver color.

www.steeleryachts.com

Classic Fairline Squadron Destroyed by Fire Near Lido Estensi

A thirteen meter Fairline Squadron with Slovenian flag and eight persons onboard, was destroyed by fire and then sank near Lido Estensi and Porto Garibaldi just after 10:00 morning time of Sunday fourteen July.  The eight persons onboard the Fairline flybridge jumped in the water, as soon as they saw the boat burning, and were assisted first by a nearby sailing boat, and then the Guardia Costiera.  Following this the Vigili dell Fuoco of Ferrara and Guardia Costiera continued to fight the fire, an operation which was completed after three hours, with the fire turned off at 13:30 at about five hundred meters away from the coast.  The cause of the fire is under investigation, with the flybridge boat being filled with fuel some minutes before catching fire at Portogaribaldi.  A recovery is planned for Monday, with the boat being currently boom protected and under observation for any environmental damage it might cause.

The Fairline in this fire is a Squadron 43 as designed by Bernard Olesinski and produced from 1994 to 1997.  The 43 was the entry level Squadron range model, Fairline's flagship flybridge range which in that period arrived up to 62 foot.  The Squadron 43 was a replacement to the 43 and was replaced by the Phantom 46.