Hurricane Milton 2024

Hurricane Milton was an extremely powerful and devastating Atlantic hurricane which became the second-most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded over the Gulf of Mexico, behind only Hurricane Rita from 2005. Milton made landfall on the west coast of the U.S. state of Florida, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the state's Big Bend region. The thirteenth named storm, ninth hurricane, fourth major hurricane, and second Category 5 hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Milton was the strongest tropical cyclone worldwide in 2024 so far and the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area since 1921. Milton formed from a long-tracked tropical disturbance that originated in the western Caribbean Sea and consolidated in the Bay of Campeche on October 5. Gradual intensification occurred as it slowly moved eastward, becoming a hurricane early on October 7. Later that day, Milton underwent explosive intensification and became a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 156 knots. At peak intensity, it had a pressure of 897 millibars, making it the fifth-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record. Milton fluctuated in intensity after an eyewall replacement cycle, re-intensifying into a Category 5 hurricane the following day. Increasing wind shear caused the hurricane to weaken as it turned northeast towards Florida, falling to Category 3 before making landfall near Siesta Key late on October 9. Afterwards, Milton rapidly weakened as it moved across the state into the Atlantic Ocean, and became extratropical on October 10 as it became embedded within a frontal zone. The remnants gradually weakened and passed near the island of Bermuda before dissipating on October 12. 

Ahead of the hurricane, Florida declared a state of emergency in which many coastal residents were ordered to evacuate. Preparations were also undertaken in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. The hurricane spawned a deadly tornado outbreak and caused widespread flooding in Florida.  Hurricane Milton killed at least 26 people: 23 in the United States and three in Mexico. Preliminary damage estimates are to be at least US$30 billion.

Marina 1 in Punta Gorda, was the most single hit marina with over a dozen yachts sank and or with important damage.

M/y Indigo a 2015 Marlow 88 seems to be the most high profile of the damaged yachts from Hurricane Milton.

Here is three grounded boats, a Chris Craft aft cabin and Hatteras sportfish in Manasota Key.  Two nearby boats a Sea Ray and Post sportfish also partly sank.

More damage from the storm surge at Manasota Key, above and below as boats end on the terraces of nearby homes. 

New Model: AB Yachts 110

AB Yachts has in Summer 2024 launched its new 110 model.  A current second in size model for the jet powered super sport yacht specialist, who here set in motion a stylistic evolution with the forward raked windshield marking an updated design element.  With a length over all of just under 34 meters the new AB Yachts 110 is characterised by the pleasant, charming interiors of a loft as designed by Marco Casamonti, which give unmatched conviviality along with stylish sporty lines, elegantly-finished details, and all-pervading brightness, while at the same time being able to run fast over forty knots with unmatched stability and trim, and thanks to her limited less to two meters draft from the jet propulsion can reach even the most secluded bays. This is, in short, the new AB110, taking and evolving the AB Yachts story to the next step. The new 110 embodies a brand-new concept of space, while the raked forward windshield extends the sport bridge and onboard liveability offering a wonderful outlook over the sea, while the exteriors and interiors flow smoothly into one another in a soft, fluid design. The spatial revolution has also involved the lounge areas; flybridge, forward, and aft; as the later can convert into a generous beach area that ensures the closest possible contact with the sea.  As cabin lounging goes, this is all located on the main deck, with this offering a central dining area for eight, a C-shaped saloon, central open galley, central triple seat pilot station, a day head located to port side.  Another option also exists here to move the galley down forward of the lower deck before the entry to the crew area, with this leaving the main deck dedicated to lounging.  With the lower deck galley version the forward VIP suite would be about 40% smaller and located to starboard.  Sleeping accommodation in the AB Yachts 110 offers four double guest suites, with a master stateroom at midships, and a VIP suite forward.  Forward of the lower deck is the crew area with two cabins sleeping four and a small L-shaped dinette.  The first AB Yachts 110 is powered by triple Man 2000hp for top speed up to 43 knots with a cruise of 38, allowing for a range up to 460 nautical miles. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 33.70 m (110.2ft)

Beam - 6.80 m

Draft - 1.30 m

Displacement - 100 t, 178gt *volume

Fuel Capacity - 11,500 l

Water Capacity - 2000 l

Accommodation - eight/ or ten guests in four cabins, four crew in two cabins

Engines - 3 x Man V12 2000hp

Propulsion - MJP water jets (2 by steerable, central one booster)

Speed - 43 knots max, 38 cruise

Range - 460 nautical miles at 38 knots cruise

Construcion - vacuum bagged sandwich with Divinycell core, Vinylester Epoxy resin and carbon kevlar reinforcement

Project - Mario Casamonti studio Archea for interior

Certification - RINA Cross of Malta hull Mach Y unrestricted navigation pleasure

www.abyachts.com

Previous Trump Owned Super Yacht Crashes Into Marina Bizerte Pier

The 85 meter Benetti super yacht m/y Kingdom 5kr has collided with the outside berth pier at Marina Bizerte, to the North of Tunisia, on 12:30 afternoon of Friday eleven October.  Kingdom 5kr was reported doing manoeuvring operation to berth for fuelling, when for an unknown reason the super yacht lost control, and collided its bow into the East looking outside berth pier of the marina.  With the collision Kingdom 5kr sustained damage to its lower bow section.  The area of the collision has since then been closed to the public as the Bizerte Maritime Guard opened an investigation on the cause of the incident.

Kingdom 5kr is a custom Benetti 85 meters hull number FB116 from 1980 designed by Jon Bannenberg for exterior and interior by Luigi Sturchio. Named m/y Nabila at launch, in 1980 FB116 was the largest super yacht in the World, and is famous for appearing in the 1983 James Bond Never Say Never Again movie, but also for being owned by four high profile billionaires, including from 1988 to 1991 by 45th USA President Donald Trump then named as m/y Trump Princess.

Project: Sunseeker 94 Yacht

Sunseeker is thrilled to announce the 94 Yacht project, an innovative pocket super yacht; with length over-all of just over 28 meters and a load line of under 24.  Announced at the annual Sunseeker Cannes press conference the 94 Yacht project is set to join its 23 to thirty meter four model Yacht range, as a replacement to the since 2016 produced 41 units delivered 95 Yacht.  The 94 Yacht is designed as a floating sanctuary and introduces a fresh interior aesthetic with a carefully curated palette unique to Sunseeker, bringing refinement and harmony to every space. Special attention has also been given to the guest and owner accommodation, with advanced noise insulation ensuring a peaceful and comfortable environment for all on board.  The Sunseeker 94 Yacht is to be equipped with twin 2000hp MTU engines supplied as standard and a maximum speed of to 26 knots.  The interior design of the 94 Yacht showcases Sunseeker’s dedication to luxury and detail, what is a semi-wide body design offering an owners stateroom forward of the main deck, and four guest suites on the lower deck. The extensive collection of fabrics, linings and finishes are designed to complement one another, allowing for a bespoke, stylish interior that reflects the owner's personal taste. The Sunseeker Platinum collection offers durable, high-quality upholstery, including natural leathers, cotton, and wool fabrics, perfect for seating and dining areas.  The exterior of the 94 Yacht is as impressive as its interior, featuring a semi-concealed anchoring arrangement and a Besenzoni passerelle. An integrated tender recovery system suitable for up to four meters and an optional jet ski launch system ensure convenience and versatility for water sports enthusiasts. The hydraulic rise-and-fall platform, capable of lifting up to 1,000kg, provides easy access to the water and supports a tender weighing up to 950kg.  Additional features include Sunseeker’s industry-leading X-Tend™ sunbed system that transforms the lower aft deck into a luxurious sunbathing area as well as multiple canopy options for the flybridge offering shade and comfort for those on board. The flybridge is equipped with a wet bar, ice maker and BBQ grill, ideal for outdoor entertaining. Owners will be involved in the customisation of the 94 Yacht, having the possibility to choose among a wide range of optional upgrades, including advanced navigation stations, enhanced wet bar facilities, and refrigeration tailored for more tropical climates. The crew quarters with space for four persons are designed for functionality and comfort, complete with modern amenities and ample storage space.

www.sunseeker.com

New Model: Pardo GT75

For the fall 2024 boat show season Pardo debuted its new GT75 flagship model, as it World launched at the Cannes Yachting Festival in early September.  Designed by Nauta for exterior and interior, with naval architecture by Zuccheri the GT75 expands Pardo size by six meters from the previous E60 flagship.  The GT75 shows Pardo intent to go into larger sizes, and aims to continue the successful growth and expansion of the last seven years, as the Italian yacht maker aims to make a name into the twenty meter segment of the sporty side of the market, with three further models coming from 65 to 75 foot in the coming year or so.  For the GT75 Nauta continues Pardo successful design language, presenting a sport yacht that looks modern without trying hard.  It's an interesting recipe, which since the 43 debut in 2017 has worked well for Pardo, dominating the Euro-Walk-around eleven to fifteen meter sizes.  As in all things though being good looking alone is not enough to make a buyer part with his millions, so the Pardo GT75 comes also with a very flexible semi-custom build, with two aft deck options for an aft tender garage or beach club option, two galley up or not main deck layouts, and five; two to four cabins lower deck choices.  It's an impressive list of choices, and one which aims to cater for many type of owners.  As an example the Cannes presented hull one was a garage aft deck with a private and personal two cabins galley down and dinette layout.  The Pardo GT75 is standard powered by triple Volvo 800hp with IPS pod drives and or optional 1000hp engines, this last giving top speeds up to 35 knots.    

Technical Data:

LOA - 22.85 m (74.9ft)

Hull Length - 22.8 m

Beam - 5.99 m

Draft - 1.65 m

Displacement - 48.3 t

Fuel Capacity - 4300 l

Water Capacity - 1100 l

Max Persons - twenty

Accommodation - four guests in two cabins, 6 in 3 cabins, 8 in 4 cabins, 

Engines - 3 x Volvo D13 800hp, D13 1000hp

Propulsion - triple Volvo IPS1050/1350 forward looking dual propeller pod drives

Speed - 35 knots max 30 cruise with triple Volvo 1000hp *estimates

Range - 350 nautical at fast cruise *estimates

Project - Nauta exterior and interior, Zuccheri naval architecture

Certification - CE B20/C24

www.pardoyachts.com

Project: Toy Marine 72

Toy Marine presents the project for a 72 flagship model.  A replacement to the 68, of which she is based on with identical beam and similar looks, the 72 is to feature a sloop stern with an integrated bathing platform against the squarish more traditional with bolted bathing platform of the previous flagship.  The Toy 72 comes with two choices for both the main and lower deck, with the choice being tight down to the other, and around a galley up or down in a larger crew area, and an owners stateroom forward or at midships.  In the galley down version, the crew area will also feature a larger cabin with two bunk berths, and also offer a small dinette for two to starboard.  The guest cabin area is smaller in the galley down option, offering one larger owners stateroom forward, and two identical guest cabins at midships with twin berths at midships.  In the galley up version we have a smaller single berth crew cabin, owners stateroom at midships, with a VIP suite forward, and a guest cabin with twins to port side.   Also designed by Nauta the Toy Marine 72, is to be powered by twin Volvo 900hp engines with IPS pod drives, with top speed up to 32 knots and a cruise of 28.

www.toymarine.it

New Model: BB Yachts Ischia 44

BB Yachts is a new French-Italian boat builder which debuted this year with two sport cruiser models based on the same 44 platform and designed by Ferragni, both World wide presented at the 2024 Genoa boat show.  As a first BB Yacht here on PowerYachtBlog we present the Ischia 44 the more traditional raised fore-deck of the two models.  The fore deck is the difference between this Ischia and the other Panarea 44.  Unlike most new offers in this fourteen meter size, BB Yachts is not a walk-around sport cruiser, but a clean lined modern open sport cruiser with a wide body cockpit deck, no side deck aimed to make the best of the four meters plus of beam.  With the wide body, the BB Yachts 44 offers a very spacious cockpit with a central corridor, offering two side lounges mini sun-pads, two C-shape dinettes, and a central helm station.  To the sides of the helm station is a wet-bar, located to port side, while to starboard is an opening windscreen which take to the fore-deck and its sunbed area.  Down below the BB Yachts Ischia 44 offers a sleeping area with an accommodation for four persons, with a double berth forward, and separate cabin at midships sleeping two.  BB Yachts is powered by twin Cummins 355hp as standard, with two other options of 425 and 550hp and line shaft propulsion.  As speeds go these go from 29 from the standard 355hp to 38 knots from the big 550hp.  An outboard version is also offered with triple 400, 450, and 500hp choices.  No speed data is offered for the outboards but expect it to be at forty knots plus. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 14.25 m (46.7ft)

Hull Length - 12.99 m

Beam - 4.15 m

Draft - 1.2 m including propellers

Displacement - 15 t full load, 13.7 t unloaded

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 650 l

Water Capacity - 350 l

Max Persons - twelve

Accommodation - four berths

Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB 6.7 355hp, QSB 6,7 425hp, QSB 6.7 550hp

Propulsion - V-drive line shaft

Speed - 29 knots max 25 cruise with Cummins 355, 38 max 30 cruise with 550hp

Range - up to 350 nautical miles at 25 knots and Cummins 355hp

Construction - hand lamination Vinylester resin single skin hull and quadri-axial fiberglass, balsa core sandwich for hull sides, PVC core sandwich and E-glass for upper structure

Project - Ferragni

Certification - CE B

www.bb-yachts.com

Project: Viking 74 Convertible

Viking never stops and on the heels of the 82 Convertible’s introduction the past Spring and in celebration of its sixtieth anniversary, the New Jersey based sportfish yacht specialist is proud to announce another tournament champion destined for greatness, the second-generation Viking 74. The 74 Convertible follows the iconic Viking 72, a 45-knot speed demon that saw 75 hulls built and sold. The goal with this new model was to design and build a 74-footer capable of similar top-end and cruising speeds. The team, which has been working together for more than 25 years came through big time, introducing a series of refinements. For instance, the 74’s strakes and chines are aggressive for increased spray deflection and lift, and the boat’s length-to-beam ratio was dialled in for excellent ride quality. In comparison, the Gen I Viking 74, built from 2004 through 2008, had a top speed of 37 knots with twin 2000hp MTUs, which reached forty knots when the 2400HP engines became available. Today’s 74 has the advantage of more horsepower with the 2600hp MTUs and hull design improvements. In addition, it’s available with the Advanced Viking Propulsion System which utilizes struts and rudders with modified twisted shapes that minimize hydrodynamic resistance, improving performance. Building materials and methods are also chosen to maximize strength and weight savings, with the hull, tankage, and structural bulkheads all resin infused, optimizing the fiberglass-to-resin ratio to bring the build to its greatest strength. Other construction processes, such as Light Resin Transfer Moulding, and the use of a variety of core materials, with specific densities for their location and carbon fibre contribute to overall build quality and industry-leading fit and finish. Significant weight-saving gains have also been made with the use of specific interior woods. A modified vinylester-epoxy resin is used throughout the hull for blister protection and structural performance. As any sportfish its all about the cockpit and 74 Convertible will have a twenty square meters cockpit, what is 25 centimetres longer to that of the replacing 72’s. The business end includes two full-length insulated in-deck fish boxes with split lids to port and starboard. A single hatch on centreline provides excellent access to the available Seakeeper. The walkthrough transom door with lift gate is on the port side, and the raised transom fish-box/live well is offered in two capacities. There’s an abundance of storage in the mezzanine; to port side is a tackle cabinet, an ice chipper storage box and a refrigerated step box. Access to the engine-room is via the centreline mezzanine steps, and there are two freezer boxes to starboard. The mezzanine seating boasts premium outdoor upholstery and has dry storage underneath. Guests can relax in the shade provided by the flybridge overhang. Mezzanine air conditioning is also available. The 74’s flybridge is designed with a high platform helm, which provides excellent cockpit visibility for the captain. The walkaround center console’s recessed black acrylic dash holds flush-mounted multifunction displays. The helm is clean, streamlined and operator-friendly with dual radio boxes with split lids housing instrumentation and controls, a helm pod, single lever electronic controls and a stainless-steel steering wheel. Air conditioning can be added to the helm, as well, which accommodates three Release Marine helm chairs with teak ladder backs. The console’s forward section is home to an integrated full-length lounge with a standard freezer below. There are also standard dual freezers forward , a feature carried down from the 82 to allow separate storage of different baits and/or food. The forward flybridge is equipped with a convenient sink and refrigerated drink box. Seating modules to port and starboard each hold back-to-back lounges with storage underneath. Enter in the cabin and into the salon from the mezzanine through a port-side electric sliding door. The interior’s horizontal-grain natural walnut is available in satin or gloss finishes. The in-house woodwork features meticulous joinery that includes dovetail drawers. A large sofa to starboard includes rod storage below and is accompanied by a walnut hi-lo table. Directly across from the lounge is an entertainment center, with a TV that rises from within the cabinetry. Forward on the port side, the raised dinette includes a walnut table, wraparound seating and rod storage in a pull-out drawer below. The galley is offered in two configurations: The standard U-shaped layout allows for a larger wraparound lounge, while the optional open galley features an island counter and is open to the lounge on the starboard side. With either arrangement, the galley has two under-counter refrigerators and one freezer, all Sub-Zero with ample countertop space and a second dining area with a raised bar and three stools. Galley highlights include Amtico flooring, a Miele four-burner electric cooktop (with optional conventional oven), a stainless-steel sink, a microwave/convection oven, a trash compactor, upper and lower cabinetry and drawer storage. A pantry forward of the galley provides additional storage. The 74’s standard accommodation plan consists of four staterooms, each with an ensuite head with separate shower. The forepeak layout also features a standard rod and tackle room, located on the port side. The crew quarters can be accessed via a separate staircase at the foot of the companionway stairs or through a forward engine-room door. The spacious master stateroom features a king walkaround bed with storage underneath, two oak-lined hanging closets and space for up to a large TV on the forward bulkhead. A walkaround queen bed (with storage underneath) in the forward stateroom is standard, while a crossover arrangement (with a full-size bunk and upper bunk) is optional. The starboard and crew staterooms are appointed with upper and lower berths and hanging lockers. If maximum sleeping capacity is what you’re looking for, a fifth stateroom (with upper and lower bunks) is available in lieu of the rod and tackle room. The five-stateroom layout with the forward crossover arrangement provides berths for eleven people. The engine-room to be finished in Snow White Awlgrip for easier maintenance is a marvel of marine engineering. It’s equipped with chilled water air conditioning, ventilation and fire suppression systems, a pair of 29 kW generators with voltage and electronic frequency control and is engineered for the installation of omnidirectional sonar. Optional equipment such as water makers and water purifiers and ice machines are expertly installed in the engine-room as well. The standard SeaStrong seal-less pumps in our Centralized Seawater System reduce complexity and increase reliability and component longevity throughout the boat. The 74 is also offered with the Clearline System, which uses chlorinated water to prevent marine growth in seawater plumbing lines. Set to make her world premiere at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale boat show this fall, the Viking 74 Convertible is standard powered with twin Man 1550hp, with six other options which go up to twin 2635hp MTU's as fitted to hull One.. The Viking 74 will also be offered as an Enclosed Bridge model, with tuna tower or Sky Bridge option.

www.vikingyachts.com

Alia Yacht New Web Site

Alia Yacht Builders presents its new web site.  Alia was founded in 2008 by Gokhan Celik with business partner Omer Koray in 2008 at Antalya, Turkey.  In the beginning Alia focus was in building semi-custom super yachts in high end carbon-fibre sandwich composite, but in a later stage it enters full custom and into steel and aluminium construction.  Alia Yacht yacht yard in Antalya makes it also possible to refit yachts up to eighty meters in length.  Alia first launch came in 2010 with the semi custom 25 meter sloop sailing yacht as designed by Warwick and build in fiberglass.  The first Alia is followed by a sister-yacht launched in 2012, with a 29 meter sailing sloop following in 2012 also designed by Warwick.  Following the first three sailing sloops, Alia enters motor yachting with the 36 meter Warwick designed planning super yacht with two decks and a raised pilot-house.  Since launching its first 25 meter sailing sloop, Alia has launched a total of fifteen super yachts, of different style and types, with its largest build to date being the 60.2 meters Samurai as designed by Omega and Van Oossanen as launched in 2016. Samurai also enters Alia in steel and aluminium construction, a material the Turkish yacht builder will use in all the following builds, with the exception of its smallest build to date the 16m Fast Runabout which it delivered in four made to order units. Alia new web-site takes you around with the following buttons; Menu, Alia Yachts, Completed Yachts, Under Construction, Our World, About Us, The Team, Shipyard, Interiors, News, and Contact.  Alia Yachts is also on social media with bottom right links taking you to its Instagram and LinkedIn pages. 

www.aliayachts.com

Sport Cruiser Destroyed by Fire in Irondequoit Bay Lake Ontario

A nine meter unattended sport cruiser was destroyed by a fire at Irondequoit Bay, Rochester on Lake Ontario at a fire which started at the early 01:15 time of Saturday fifth October.  West Webster Fire Department tended to the fire with truck 123 and was later assisted by boat Marine 126.  The fire was more complicated to control due to the stretching of hose needed to arrive on the spot.  Ultimately the fire was controlled and prevented to spread to other boats nearby.  No one was reported injured with the cause of the fire not being reported.

The sport cruiser in this fire is a Chaparral 280/290 Signature as produced from 2001 to 2009.  The 280/290 Signature came out as a replacement to the 29 Signature and was replaced by the 290 Signature with upper hull port holes.