New Model: Beneteau Swift Trawler 54

Beneteau has this fall 2024 unveiled its new Swift Trawler 54. Designed by Andreani with naval architecture by Dixon, the new ST54 is the largest Swift Trawler to date, for a range which arrived in 2003 and till today has delivered over 1800 units. For the Swift Trawler 54 Andreani presents a gentle “S” shearline lines that rises towards the bow giving the hull a purposeful timeless stance, with a clean low profile flybridge above, and full around forward raked glass superstructure which gives an overall lightness. With the Swift Trawler 54, Beneteau brings unrivalled outdoor living space, breaking the mould for explorer type yachts of this size. Thus the Swift Trawler 54 offers a spacious cockpit and flybridge, and foredeck dinette, all finished with soft seating and luxury touches and a terrace to the sea. The stern area also boasts a hydraulic tender lift swim platform, ample storage for kayaks and paddleboards. The foredeck dinette has a U-shaped seating area with an inset table which converts into a huge sun-pad, with dedicated fender stowage underneath. Inside the Beneteau Swift Trawler 54 presents itself as a family water home with the opportunity to enjoy efficient long-range cruising in an elegant and cosy atmosphere amidst ultimate comfort, with a visually stunning interior environment boasting a well-appointed central located galley with a raised dinette, a large saloon and an internal flybridge stairway. Down below the Swift Trawler 54 offers six berths in three cabins, with a full beam owners stateroom at midships, and the option for an additional single crew berth aft. Interior finishing options are for Alip Teak or Alpi Oak wood finishes.  The Beneteau Swift Trawler 54 is powered by twin Cummins 550hp with line shaft propulsion for speeds up to twenty knots, a cruise of twelve, and a long range nine knots for a range up to seven hundred nautical miles.  The Swift Trawler 54 is also offered with the Silent Boat Pack, which has a T-Top on the flybridge and features eighteen solar panels and ten lithium batteries for a generator less autonomy up to ten hours. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 17.13 m (56.2ft)

Hull Length - 14.8 m

Beam - 4.98 m

Draft - 1.14 m

Displacement - 21518 kg unloaded 

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 1720 l

Water Capacity - 2 x 400 l

Max Persons - fourteen

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

Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB 6.7 550hp

Propulsion - line shafts

Speed - twenty knots max, twelve cruise, nine knots long range

Range - 700 nautical miles at nine knots

Hull Shape - Fusion semi displacement

Construction - resin infused sandwich in polyester and balsa core, and counter moulding 

Project - Andreani exterior and interior, Dixon naval architect

Certification - CE B/C14

www.beneateau.com

Improve-it = Maritimo M600

Maritimo’s objective to constantly improve even its best-selling models, is shown with this updated M600 called the Black Edition version. Launched in 2022 the Maritimo M600 is the second, following the M55 earlier this year to get a meticulous review of onboard style, comfort, and functionality, resulting in new elements of elegance and sophistication. All of this is accomplished and integrated with the unparalleled engineering and performance Maritimo yachts are known for. Relentless in a quest for excellence, Maritimo adorns these improved models with the striking Black Edition mark. The Maritimo M600 is thus improved in three areas; Deck Spaces, Sky Lounge, and Aft Galley. The deck space is now enhanced in the cockpit with several practical and stylish improvements, such as a redesigned, larger transom island separating the main cockpit from the enclosed transom which now incorporates an upgraded lounge and expanded BBQ area. The Flybridge Sky Lounge upgrades the existing cabinet to a two and three-door wet bar, as well as an entirely new lounge seat with storage options, adding comfort, functionality and even more style to the upper lounge. The M600 Black Edition has also received a new upgrade increasing counter space while maintaining excellent storage capabilities. The fully equipped galley offers several enhancements, including more bench space on the starboard side without losing space for the hot plates, oven, and necessary storage. Combined with the upright existing fridge/freezer location is space for a new large overhead cupboard above the counter.  

www.maritiimo.com.au

Explorer Cruiser Collides Into Florida St. Augustine Bridge

An explorer cruiser of thirteen meters in length titled m/y Bright Side collided and got stuck with the Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine, Florida on the early afternoon of Sunday tenth November.  The explorer cruiser just did not make it because of its mast, but also because it tried to pass under the bridge on a high tide.  Other unconfirmed reports say the bridge also has its air-draft markings damaged following the recent hurricanes and storms, and these have not yet been fixed yet.  As of the early evening of the day Bright Side was still stuck with the bridge. This Bridge of Lions collision follows that of the Nao Trinidad classic Spanish schooner which lost power, and collided with the same bridge thirteen days ago.

M/y Bright Side the explorer cruiser in this collision is a 2005 Kadey-Krogen 44.  Produced from 2002 to 2011 in 26 units, the 44 came out as a replacement to the 42, the model which debuted Kadey-Krogen in 1977, and was replaced and evolved into the 44 AE in 2012.

New Model: Fiart P52

Debuting in 2022 with the P54 which has been renamed as P58 this year, Fiart continue to expand what it calls its Custom Luxury Boat line and presents the P52 model, which as the larger unit is also designed by Stefano Pastrovich.  Announced as a P48 project back in 2022, Pastrovich follows similar design and layout themes to the larger P58 model.  It is different also a bit unusual but it also works well for both the main and lower deck, with both the Fiart P52 and P58 giving complete but also unique stem to stern exterior deck spaces.  An important difference between the larger P52 to the P58 is a fixed bathing platform which can be specified with an optional transformer unit.  The idea of the Fiart Pastrovich yachts is that of a sport yacht which makes the whole open main deck connected yet split in designated areas.  As layout positions goes in the P52 it is all traditional; sun-pad aft, dinette at midships, and a second fore deck sun-pad, this last connected with the central windshield door.  In the Fiart P52 and P58 for that matter all is a bit longer, as no physical barriers exist in between the areas with a small exception being for the windshield.  Down below the Fiart P52 features a luxurious appointed two suites layout, with an owners stateroom at midships.  A lower deck galley is located in between the cabins as you go down from the port side located stairway which takes you to the cabin area.  The Fiart P52 is powered by twin Volvo 600hp with a top speed up to 35 knots and a cruise of thirty.    

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.92 m (52.2ft)

Beam - 4.63 m

Draft - 1.20 m

Displacement - 21 t

Fuel Capacity - 1800 l

Water Capacity - 500 l

Max Persons - sixteen

Accommodation - four guests in two cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D8 600hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS800 dual propeller pod drives

Speed - 35 knots max thirty knots cruise

Range - 300 nautical miles at cruise

Project - Stefano Pastrovich

Certification - CE B

www.fiart.com

Bertram Yacht Goes Ablaze in Flamenco Marina Panama

A sixteen meter Bertram yacht titled m/y Condor I went ablaze as it was lying unattended in its berth at Fuerte Amador Resort Marina, Flamenco, Panama around 08:20 morning time of Sunday tenth November.  The Panama Fire Department with its Balboa and Plaza Amador stations intervened for the blaze, towing the yacht out of the marina so that this does not affect other yachts. Ultimately the yacht burned down and sank.  Panama Maritime Authority, the Fire Department and the National Aeronaval Service have opened an investigation in the cause of the fire, with an operation to re-float the wreck of Condor I also being organized.

The Bertram in this fire is a 54 Convertible as designed by David Napier and produced from 1981 to 2001 in 177 units.  Bertram made two versions of the 54 in its long production with the second coming in 1996.  The Bertram 54 Convertible came out as a replacement to the 58 Convertible and was replaced by the Zuccon designed 570.

Mimi New Web Site

Mimi presents its new web site.  Founded in 1975 by Salvatore Senese in Naples, Mimi started with a 4.6 meter lancia.  In recent years Salvatore's sons Domenico and Massimo Senese has entered the family business who first upgraded the current line, and also increased the export vocation of the brand in Europe and Asia.  Currently Mimi produces 21 models from five to thirteen meters, in two different ranges; the Libeccio Italian gozzo inspired series, and the  Fisherman line.  The range starts from the 19 of the Fisherman range and goes up to the 13.5 Libeccio flagship.  The latest Mimi models for 2024 is the Libeccio 9.5 Cabin.  Mimi new web site is available in English and Italian language and takes you around with the following buttons; Home, Company, Models, Fairs, Press, and Contact.  Mimi is also on social media with lower page buttons taking you to its Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube pages.

www.gozzimimi.it

Production History;

Libeccio 31 2003-

Libeccio 27 Cab 2008-16

Libeccio 11 Cabin 2019-22

Libeccio 11 wa 2020-

Libeccio 9.5 wa 2021-

Libeccio 8.5 wa (ii) 2022-

Libeccio 11 Cabin 2022-

Libeccio 13.5 Cabin 2022-

Libeccio 9.5 Cabin (ii) 2024-

Mimi first 4.6 meter gozzo boat

Project: Princess X90

Princess Yachts announce the project for an all new X90, the latest addition to the X-Class series, what will sit in between the X80 and the X95 Vista flagship. The Princess X90 is the latest evolution to this volume focused range of super yachts, combining ground-breaking design with exceptional space and a luxury level and attention to detail as associated with Princess. The X90 cockpit is the first striking point of difference to her siblings. The creation of space has always been a key feature of the X Class but on the new X90 this has been taken to new dimensions with a low-level, open design cockpit that not only maximises space but brings its occupants even closer to the water, thanks to a glass transom balustrade and folding bulwark balconies that extend the cockpit to port and starboard to provide un-interrupted views while standing or seated in the sumptuous sofas positioned to three sides of the area. A starboard wet-bar unit, and optional cockpit TV make this a tranquil place to relax with family or host social occasions with friends. Another first for Princess is the beautiful curved patio doors that connect this area with the main deck saloon. When open, these effectively place the ten-place dining table that is situated aft of the saloon, in the cockpit providing incredible flexibility. Even when closed the curvature of the glass accentuates the connection to the outside such is the view that they provide. Moving forward, the main deck saloon is also surrounded by glass to fill the area with natural light. The galley is also situated on the main deck and can be specified to be open to the saloon with a sociable breakfast bar or fully enclosed. With either configuration, a side deck door to the port deck and access down to the forward crew accommodation are both situated here to ensure owner and guest privacy. This entire deck, from forward cockpit to master stateroom, is on a single level utilising a favoured detail of her larger sibling the X95. The owner’s suite is situated forward of the main deck and, with 180º glazing, provides breath-taking views. An optional gullwing door can also provide private access to the owner’s foredeck terrace’ which, with all deck gear recessed below the teak deck, provides a wonderful space to hideaway and enjoy a morning coffee. On the flybridge, there is the signature X Class enclosed Skylounge with generous sofas to port and starboard, which also has the option to place a day head up here, as sliding doors lead to the enclosed wheelhouse. Moving aft, the canopy of the Skylounge provides shade to the dining area for those wanting to remain cool whilst enjoying the sea views this exceptional deck provides. Beyond this, there are a number of distinct layout options for the aft deck including a spa bath, an optional bar or the flexibility to leave the space clear for loose furniture. There is also the option to fit a crane and utilise some of the space to house a tender. The entertaining options do not end there though, the flybridge foredeck features forward and aft facing seating areas and coffee table which can also be converted to sun loungers with a simple flip of the back rest. Below deck, guest accommodation features three en-suite double cabins as standard with the option for owners to specify two en-suite cabins in lieu of the full beam stateroom creating a five-cabin yacht. Crew quarters are situated forward of the lower deck and feature up to three crew cabins, a crew bathroom, and crew mess area with seating and galley. The new X90 is to be powered by twin Man 2000hp for top speed up to twenty knots. The first Princess X90 is to debut in 2026.

www.princessyachts.com

New Launch: Michael Rybovich 82 Sportfisherman Hull #7

This July 2024 Michael Rybovich launched the 82 Sportfisherman, hull seven of Michael's new era which started in 2014 with the 64 Walkaround.  As was the Walkaround hull One, this new 82 hull seven is again for a repeat customer, who previously owned two Michael Rybovich custom builds, the 2015 86 Sportfisherman Hull#2 and 78 Sportfisherman Hull#3 launched in 2019.  Designed inhouse the Michael Rybovich 82 Sportfisherman features a four double cabins four head accommodation lower deck, with an owners stateroom at midships which takes near to the full beam of the yacht, a VIP suite forward, and two guest cabins at midships.  As most sportfish of this size the living, dining, and lounging area are all on the main deck, with the Michael Rybovich 82 Sportfisherman offering a central line located galley with island bar, served with a dinette to port side.  The Michael Rybovich 82 Sportfisherman is powered by twin MTU 2600hp which give a top speed up to 46 knots, a fast cruise of 39, and a 27 knots long range economic cruising for an autonomy up to 1100 nautical miles.  Apart being a founder of the sportfish genre Rybovich is also one of the most historic revered names, which is currently enjoying an incredible spell of five new builds from 42 to 82 foot at Palm Beach. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 24.99 m (82ft)

Beam - 6.55 m

Draft - 1.52 m

Displacement - 52616 kg

Fuel Capacity - 13305 l

Water Capacity - 1892 l

Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins

Engines - 2 x MTU 16V2000 M96L 2600hp

Propulsion - direct line with ZF gearbox and Veem propellers

Speed - 46 knots max, 39 knots fast cruise, 27 knots economic

Range - 1100 nautical at 27 knots

Construction - cold moulding, wood covered in epoxy resin in and out, jig method

Project - Michael Rybovich and Sons

www.michaelrybovichandsons.com

Projects: Grand Banks GB73 Flybridge, Grand Banks GB73 Skylounge

Following the launch of a new flagship and largest model to date with the GB85 in 2021, Grand Banks is showing this fall its intention to expand its range of explorer yachts which currently features three models from sixteen to 26 meters, with three further projects announced excluding the new GB62 which is to come in 2025. Enters the project for the new GB73 Flybridge and or Skylounge, a second in size model which will sit between the GB85 flagship, and an announced GB70 model of which no details are as yet shown.  The GB73 is to be available in Flybridge as rendered above, or the enclosed bridge Skylounge below.  The Grand Banks GB73 is to be powered by twin 1000hp Volvo with IPS propulsion as standard and or optional line shafts.  Performance numbers are not as yet announced but expect these be around thirty knots with the IPS option and at wide open throttle.  An impressive detail of the GB73 considering its size will be its eight thousand litres fuel capacity which should give around one thousand nautical miles range at efficient cruising speed. 

www.grandbanks.com

One Man Injured as Sport Cruiser Goes Ablaze Near Delimara Malta

One 46 year old man was injured as a sport cruiser of eleven meters in length went ablaze just over one nautical mile off the coast of Delimara, to the South of Malta at around 11:45 of Wednesday sixth November.  The call of distress was answered by the Armed Forces of Malta and the Civil Protection Department as officials found the man in the water, as he jumped off the boat as it went ablaze.  Officials pulled the man out of the water and onto a rescue boat, and took him to the shore, as he was given first aid, and then rushed to Mater Dei Hospital, as he suffered serious injuries from the boat's blaze.  A magisterial inquiry and police investigations are ongoing as to what lead to the boat fire.

Ultimately the 46 year old man did not make it, and succumbed to the grievous burn injuries on Monday eighteen November.

The sport cruiser in this fire is a Squalo 38 H as designed by Franco Harraurer, and produced from 1982 till 1987.  Squalo which English translates to Shark was founded in 1977 by four ship wrights in Naples, building fast and seaworthy cruisers, first in lamellar wood and from 1981 in fiberglass.  Closing its door in 1993, Squalo produced eight models from 28 to 43 foot and including three versions of the wooden 36 in its life time.