September 10, 2024

Super Yacht Collides Into Fort Lauderdale 17th St Bridge

The 94 meter Feadship super yacht Viva has collided into the 17th St Bridge in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on the late morning of Tuesday tenth September.  The yacht is reported to have drifted in an outgoing tide, hitting two of the bridge protective arms on its starboard side.  It is not yet understood what happened for the yacht to collide with the bridge, with some unconfirmed news saying it had some mechanical issues as it was manoeuvring.  TowboatUS arrived first on the scene to assist the yacht, although following videos show it removing itself from the awkward spot. Videos on social media also show the crew of the yacht putting fenders between the yacht and bridge arms in order to minimize the damage.  The damage to the bridge arms and the yacht is not reported.
M/y Viva is a 2021 Feadship 94 meter hull number 817, build to an exterior design of De Voogt and Azure, with interiors by Peter Marino.  Viva was commissioned by Frank Fertitta III an entrepreneur in the World of casinos and MMA, with the yacht sold earlier this year to hedge funder Ken Griffin.

Two Injured in Lake Higgins Powerboat Collision

Two persons were injured as a nine meter powerboat collided about one nautical mile offshore to the North West shore of Lake Higgins on the afternoon Monday ninth September.  The two occupants were thrown off the powerboat as it lost control and spun off, and then sustaining some important damage from stern to midship.  Other boaters were unable to help the boaters, as it seems they were unable to board a boat, with Roscommon County Marine Patrol coming to the scene with a borrowed pontoon boat.  Following this the patrol lifted the boaters from the water and took them to shore, who were then assisted by Emergency Medical Services as they suffered broken bones from the impact with the seabed.
The boat in this collision is a Sunsation 32 Dominator as produced the noughties.  Sunsation was founded in 1982 in Algonac the original Chris Craft home, by Wayne Schaldenbrand debuting with the 16 Sunburn model.

Three Boats Destroyed by Fire at Browns Point Marina in Keyport

Three boat were destroyed by a fire at Brown's Point Marina in Matawan Creek, Keyport for a blaze which started at 14:30 of Monday ninth September.  The fire started on a central boat which first jumped to a boat on its port side, and then on its starboard.  Monmouth County Fire Marshals responded to the fire, with two fire fighters them getting light injuries in the extinguishing operation.  The fire was controlled by 18:30 and an investigation has reported the fire to be accidental.
The boats involved in this fire are a twin outboard powered bay boat of about eight meters the first which went ablaze in the middle, a single outboard center console of about six meters located to port side of the bay boat, and a Luhrs 30/31 Open sportfish as produced from 2004 till 2010. 
 

Southampton 2024 Boat Show Preview

The Southampton boat show enters its 55th edition, currently British largest, this show is known to showcase the latest novelty coming from Britain.  Nearly fully held in water the 2023 edition of the Southampton boat show offers eight locations; Watersports Zone, Dinghy Zone, Classic and Day Boat Zone, Mayflower Park and Ocean Hall, Showmarina, Shipyard, On the Water Stage, and Beachaven and Watersports Lake.  The 2024 Southampton boat show opens on Friday 13, and goes up to Sunday 22 September; ten days of boating days full of events and interesting stuff.  As is usual to Southampton, the famous trio of British builders will all be present, with World debuts coming from the Rustler 41, and Sunseeker's Ocean 156.
The Southampton boat show debuted in 1969 with the first edition held from September 29 to October fourth.  Organized by Norman Kemish and Arthur Gale the first edition was a modest affair with about fifty exhibitors, solely contained within Mayflower Park, with the army based on the other side of the river supplying the small pontoon to display the handful of boats displayed.  In 1983 the Southampton boat show was sold to the Boat Builders National Federation today known as British Marine, with the sale becoming complete four years later as the Federation took hold of the event organization in 1988.  This switch resulted in the Southampton show expanding space for 254 boats afloat.  2019 was the Southampton boat show record year, with 103,000 visitors attending the event and the showcase of 600 plus of brands.  The Southampton boat show was cancelled in the 2020 Covid-19 year, while the last day of the 1981 event was remembered for gale-force-winds ripping into the event and flattening and ship wrecking everything on site.
1975 Southampton Boat Show

New Model: Okean 52

Okean Yachts present the new 52, an update of the 50 model which debuted the Brazilian shipyard in 2017. Designed by Paolo Ferragni the Okean 52 versus the 50 is updated with the extended glazing on the hull side, and higher fiberglass bulwarks from midship to forward. Beside these details the Okean 52 keeps the open concept of the 50, drop down side bulk heads which extend beam by over one meter, and very open living area with floor to ceiling windows. The Okean 52 offers an interior with three cabins; master stateroom at midships, VIP suite forward, and third guest cabin with bunk berths to port side. An optional one berth crew cabin is available aft. The Okean 52 main deck living space is an astern galley model and offers one hundred square meters of usable area that expands more with the open side decks, while to stern is an up and down bathing platform.  The Okean 52 is powered by Volvo 600hp with IPS pod drives, and Cummins 600hp on V-drive line shafts.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.86 m (52ft)
Waterline Length - 14.6 m
Beam - 4.40 m (6.60 m with open side bulk heads aft)
Draft - 1.27 m
Displacement - 23,000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 1600 l
Water Capacity - 670 l
Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, optional one crew cabin berth
Engines - 2 x Volvo D8 550hp, D8 600hp*, Cummins QSC 8.3 600hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS pod drives*, V-drive shafts
Speed - 24 knots max, twelve knots cruise
Project - Paolo Ferragni

September 9, 2024

Classic Flybridge Boat Partly Sinks in Golfo Aranci Sardinia

An unattended classic ten meter flybridge cruiser partly sank as she was berthed in Golfo Aranci, Gallura to the North of Sardinia on the night of Sunday eight September.  The flybridge boat sank during a storm which hit the area on the night, reaching wind speeds up to 75 knots in its down burst, and wrecking havoc in the area.  A Corsica Ferries ship in the same gulf, and the Grimaldi lines car passenger ship in Olbia also broke there mooring lines during this storm.  The classic flybridge sank after breaking its mooring lines and then going down in about ten minutes, although the dynamics are not reported how all this happened. Following the sinking the flybridge boat was surrounded by an oil protection boon, in order to avoid any possible pollution.
The classic flybridge in this sinking is an Italcantieri Bora 103, as produced from 1969 to 1972.  Italcantieri from Monfalcone, founded its pleasure Bora boat building brand in 1959 after it closed Officine Materiale Ferroviario ed Aeronautico.  Italcantieri Bora was the second in Italy to produce a fiberglass boat, debuting its first Borino model, with a total production of 21 models over its not so long thirteen years life span, as production was stopped in 1972.  After this Italcantieri solely focused in building tanker and working ships.

Project: Invictus ST550

Invictus Yacht continues along its path of growth and innovation and now unveils the first details of its future flagship, the ST550. The name ST550, with "S" standing for "Space", represents a new frontier in the distribution of the spaces onboard.  The ST550 is born from the creativity and ingenuity of Christian Grande, the designer to date of all the Invictus models. With a length of just of under seventeen meters and a beam of five, the Invictus ST550 is the result of an extensive process of study and design. While preserving many of the signature stylistic elements that define the Italian brand, including its distinctive semi-reverse bow, the ST550 introduces a new dimension to Invictus Yachts. It takes inspiration from classic shuttle boats, paying tribute with timeless design features. Engineered for exceptional comfort on both medium and long cruises, it also ensures a sense of security with its protective bulwarks throughout the foredeck. In its market segment, the main deck spaces are redefined, with one of the most significant design innovations being the expansive living area at the bow. The large, fully electric side windows and the glass door at the stern also allow the owner and guests to enjoy nearly uninterrupted views of the surrounding environment. At the stern, the cockpit features a spacious living area that can be converted into a generous sunbathing zone, further enhanced by the retractable bulwarks. Nearby, a large swim platform that can be submerged facilitates easy tender launching. Below deck, Christian Grande has included two cabins; Master and VIP and two bathrooms. In the middle of the yacht, also below deck, there is a large living area that, at the owner’s request, can be replaced with a third cabin or a galley. The ST550 is to be powered by twin Volvo 725hp with IPS pod drives. The new ST550 Invictus flagship is to be scheduled for Winter 2025, with a 1:15 scale to be shown at the upcoming 2024 Genoa Boat Show to be held from nineteen to 24 September.

September 8, 2024

New Launch: Royal Huisman 52m Yard no. 406

Royal Huisman has launched the 52 meter yard number 406, what is the world’s largest true sportfish yacht.  Titled motor yacht Special One, Royal Huisman hull 406 is build with Alustar aluminium super sportfish  yacht that represents, without compromise, the pinnacle of custom super yachting engineering and construction. This Royal Hiusman 52 meters features six decks of the highest standards of luxury and comfort, combined with technological advancements and a performance to reach thirty plus knots during extensive testing and trials on the North Sea.  Royal Huisman yard number 406 is a unique vessel in many respects. She is tailored to meet the specific brief of her experienced owner, who has a deep passion for sportfishing. The design is extremely distinctive, with a long bow and high bulwarks sweeping through a clear sheer to a low and uncluttered cockpit aft. The high tower offers outstanding views with a downward angle on the water for specialized fishing. Apart from its practical function, the tower also offers a superb viewing platform for guests, who can follow all the action below.   Royal Huisman 52m Yard number 406 is a sportfish superyacht underscores the Dutch shipyard’s position at the forefront of the superyacht sector, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Technical Data:
LOA - 52 m (170.7ft)
Beam - 9.8 m
Draft - 4.1 m
Displacement - 499 gt*volume
Fuel Capacity - 
Engines - 2 x Man hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 35 knots max speed
Hull Shape - planning
Construction - Alustar aluminium
Project - Vripack exterior, interior design and naval architecture
Certification - Lloyds 100A1 SSC Yacht, Mono HSC G6 LMC UMS

September 7, 2024

Project: Admiral Panorama 50

Panorama is the project of the new 50 meters superyacht of the Admiral fleet, flagship brand of The Italian Sea Group, global operator in luxury yachting, active in the construction and refit of yachts up to 140 meters. With an elegant and timeless profile, Panorama is a made in Italy masterpiece in terms of shapes, lines and stylistic solutions, born from TISG’s collaboration with Piredda and Partners, which curated the design of the exterior and interior. The Panorama 50 is to be build in steel with an aluminium superstructure, with its 499GT guarantees the ability to make long journeys in total safety. The design without visual barriers and the elegant fluidity between exteriors and interiors create a continuous and natural dialogue in all areas, characterized by large volumes and structural details such as the heights of the ceilings, large spaces and large windows. The interiors reveal a refined and enveloping atmosphere thanks to a careful selection of precious and natural materials, such as wood in light tones, stones and rough metals. The Panorama 50 superyacht can accommodate up to twelve guests, who can stay in the four large and bright suites on the main deck; in the VIP cabin on the lower deck, which can be transformed into a comfortable TV room, sided by a perfectly equipped gym area. The owner’s area on the upper deck enjoys an open view on three sides and a view of the private bow deck to relax at any time. The Admiral Panorama 50 is to be power by twin Cats 1450hp engines for a speed up to fifteen knots and a cruise of thirteen.

September 6, 2024

Sport Cruiser Destroyed by Fire Near Isla de Toralla Vigo

A sport cruiser of about eight meters in length with two persons onboard went ablaze near Isla de Toralla, Vigo, to the North West, Atlantic Ocean side of Spain at 23:15 of Thursday fifth September.  After calling for assistance, the two boaters abandoned ship.  Salvamento Maritimo assisted to the fire with the crew of m/v Mirach Salvamar locating the two boaters first, and taking them to Bouzas, and then fighting the boat fire, which they extinguished, saving the wreck from sinking.  Following this sport cruiser was towed to safe harbour. 
The sport cruiser in this fire looks is a a second generation Crownline 250 CR as produced from 2002 up to 2005. The Crownline 250 CR came as a replacement of the first generation with the same name, and was replaced by the 255CR in 2006.