Viking Sportfish Ends Beached in Cancun Mexico

A 21 meter Viking sportfish yacht titled m/y Blue Rush ended beached and aground in Punta Sam, to the North of Cancun, Mexico on a story which was shared on TheQualifiedCaptain Instagram page on nine January.  The sportfish is filmed beached, and what looks a surveyor is taking photos of the hull.  The causes of the grounding are not reported, with the usual Instagram speculation comments following the story, from those of a sleeping captain to the voluntary dry dock and free bottom job for the cheap.  It will be interesting to know more at this stage, although because of insurance claims doubt we will ever hear about it.  The damage to the Viking sportfish is social media reported the be only to its propellers, with the yacht dry docked a couple of days later to the grounding.

Motor yacht Blue Rush is a 2023 Viking 72 Convertible as produced from 2016 to 2024 in 75 units, these numbers including the Enclosed Bridge version.  The Viking 72 Convertible came out as a replacement to the 70 Convertible and was replaced by the 74 Convertible.

New Model: Wider WiderCat 92

In Spring of 2024 Wider launched its first new WiderCat 92. The first WiderCat signals a new fresh direction for the Italian yacht builder who has revolutionized yachting with its forward-thinking technologies and unwavering commitment to conscious cruising from its arrival in 2010. With the WiderCat 92, the Fano based yacht builder show that the Wider Vision Hub is not just a marketing slogan, but a place where to push the boundaries of maritime and yachting innovation. The WiderCat 92 stands as the trailblazer in a series of avant-garde multihulls meticulously crafted by the Fano-based brand, and comes from a design by Luca Dini Design in partnership with Wider Centro Stile, captivating with its seamless integration of outdoor and indoor spaces but also pioneers technological advancements, embodying a harmonious fusion of beauty, functionality, sophistication, and innovation. With a focus on aesthetics and design ingenuity, Wider has elevated the WiderCat 92 to embody the style and elegance reminiscent of a mono-hull, in a 28 meter super catamaran reflecting a thoughtful balance between form and function, refined in a design within the realm of multihulls. WiderCat 92’s unit #1 features two generous VIP cabins and a twin guest cabin located lower deck. The main deck is dedicated to a capacious owner’s suite, complete with a private foredeck lounge, occupying nearly half of the total space. Additionally, a four-cabin layout option is available. The galley is conveniently situated on the main deck as well. Beyond the customizable aft cockpit on the main deck, which provides a breath taking view through uninterrupted windows, the upper deck boasts and additional forward cockpit, a sky lounge and the helm station. The tender garage, boasting a transom hatch that effortlessly transforms into an expansive swim platform, sets the stage for a remarkable maritime experience. The fold-down bulwarks serve a dual purpose, not only enriching the generous Beach Club, conveniently accessible from the VIP cabins, but also discreetly concealing storage compartments for water toys. This innovative design, that sets this model apart from others of similar length and category, ensures that every aspect of the WiderCat 92, from its functional elements to its recreational spaces, is meticulously crafted to enhance the overall seafaring pleasure. The WiderCat 92 also integrates Wider's advanced serial hybrid propulsion system, rooted in the shipyard's profound technical expertise, which sets the super catamaran apart in terms of performance achievements. With twin electric motors delivering 500kW each to the thrusters and two 349kW variable speed generators for electrical energy production, the catamaran exemplifies nautical advanced engineering. The heart of this prowess lies in the thirty LiFePO4 batteries, meticulously managed by a state-of-the-art Battery Management System. This system ensures continuous monitoring of operating parameters, facilitating intelligent charge balancing. Beyond its impressive efficiency, it's crucial to underscore that this outstanding performance is achieved with a total commitment to safety, reflecting Wider's dedication to delivering a secure and exhilarating yachting experience. Generators operate at minimum power consumption, allowing cruising in Zero Emission Mode with a 27-nautical-mile range at six knots in complete silence or a fourteen hour autonomy on battery power at anchor. Additionally, 150 m2 of solar panels ensure energy self-sufficiency at anchor, with any excess energy stored in the batteries for night time use.

Technical Data:

LOA - 28.04 m (92ft)

Hull Length - 23.9 m

Beam - 11.9 m

Draft - 1.65 m

Displacement - 138.8 t loaded

Fuel Capacity - 8000 l

Water Capacity - 2000 l

Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, four crew in two cabin

Engines - 2 x Lucchi 500kw

Propulsion - eShaft

Speed - thirteen knots max, eleven cruise, 8 knots economic, six knots electric only

Range - 600 nautical miles at 11 knots, 1100 nautical miles at 8 knots 

Project - Luca Dini exterior interior, MDS Engineering naval architecture, Centro Stile Wider

Certification - CE A

www.wider-yachts.com

Two Yachts Wrecked One Damaged in Fire at Port Lave Marseilles

Two yachts were destroyed and one was damaged in a fire which started on 17:29 of Thursday ninth January at Port de la Lave, near Corbieres Beach to the West of Marseilles.  The fire is reported to have started on the 27 meter m/y Naisca IV which also jumped to a seventeen meter flybridge yacht to its port side and then also to the 23 meter explorer m/y Aldabra to its starboard.  Marseilles Fire Fighters intervened to the blaze with 63 firefighters, nineteen vehicles, aerial reconnaissance drones, and the Caesar robot for an operation which became difficult to control as the yachts broke there mooring lines.  Ultimately Naisca IV and the seventeen meter flybridge yacht where badly damaged, wrecked and partly sunk from the blaze, while Aldabra is reported to receiving bad fire damage to its port side, for a fire which took just short of six hours to extinguish as it was turned off at 23:23 hours.  Following the fire the yachts where surrounded by an oil protection boon for an area which covered one hundred meters.  No causalities are reported with the cause of the fire being under investigation.

M/y Naisca IV which is the yacht reported to have started the fire is a 2006 Arno Leopard 27 Open as designed by Paolo Caliari and produced from 1994 to 2011 in 48 units.  The flybridge yacht is a Mochi Craft 56 as designed by Paolo Caliari and produced from 1989 to 93.  M/y Aldabra which was located to starboard and sustained fire damage is a custom Ocea 23m designed by Joubert and Nivelt and delivered in 2011.

Project: Absolute Navetta 62

Absolute present the Navetta 62 project, a new addition to the cross over explorer-motor yacht line up which currently features nine models from 48 up to 75 foot.  The Navetta 62 will feature all of Absolute must have features from a hard-top covered flybridge as standard and an aft deck with open veranda.  The Absolute Navetta 62 is to have an astern galley, in a flush deck layout with dining table for six to starboard of the galley, and relaxing saloon forward.  Two steps up to starboard will lead you to the helm station which is also serviced by a side door.  The lower deck offers a three double stateroom layout, with the owners stateroom located forward, VIP suite at midships, and third cabin to starboard.  A third head which also serves the third cabin is located to port side, just after finishing the companionway stairs which leads to the lower deck.  A crew cabin for two is located aft.  The Absolute Navetta 62 will be standard powered by twin Volvo 900hp with optional 1000hp engines being available. 

www.absoluteyachts.com

New Model: Solaris Power 52 Coupe

Solaris has for the 2024 Dusseldorf boat show debuted its new 52 Coupe model.  The 52 Coupe is based on the hull line of the 52 Open which arrived some months before with the difference of an enclosed cabin pilot house on the main deck, thus it is more of an all weather cabin yacht.  The Solaris 52 Coupe is offered in two lower deck Cabin A and Cabin B versions, with the A offering two cabins and owners stateroom at midships, and B and three cabins two head lower deck layout.  The enclosed main deck offers a living area with saloon to starboard behind the helm station and a galley located opposite to port side.  Tender storage is a garage located behind the aft sun-pad.  The Solaris 52 Coupe is powered by twin Volvo 480hp as standard or optional 600hp, both options with IPS pod drives.

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.2 m (53ft)

Waterline Length - 14.8 m

Beam - 4.95 m

Draft - 1.25 m

Displacement - 19,200 kg unloaded, 23,000 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 2000 l

Water Capacity - 500 l

Max Persons - twelve

Accommodation - four berths in two cabins, or six berths in three cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 480hp, D8 600hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS650 or IPS800 dual propeller pod drives

Speed - 28 knots max 22 cruise with 480hp, 33 knots max 25 cruise with 600hp

Project - Bruno Acampora Victory Design exterior and naval architect, Roseo interior 

www.solarispower.com

Project: Rand Realm 44

Rand present the Realm 44, the project for its biggest build to date.  The Realm 44 aims to bring the best from the popular day boat genre, mixed with those of a spacious cruising layout and the performance of an adventure boat. The interior of the Realm 44 will offer sleeping accommodation for four persons in an open plan cabin layout with a convertible U-shaped dinette which becomes a double berth forward, and two single berths at midships, while a shower head located to starboard in between the two areas will serve the guests.  The Rand Realm 44 is to be powered by twin 300 kw E-drive electric motors, Mercruiser petrol sterndrive of twin 350hp and or 430hp, or twin 370hp Yanmar and or 440hp Volvo diesel, and outboard options of twin Mercury 400 and or 600hp.

www.randboats.com

New Model: Princess X95 Vista

Princess has in 2024 updated its X95 flagship model, now being called the X95 Vista. Vista English translates to Views, which is a clear indication of more glazing added to the Plymouth yacht builders current flagship model, with the X95 Vista easily recognizable by the fore to aft uninterrupted hull window serving the lower deck cabin area.  Announced in 2018 as a project to a design of Pininfarina with Olesinki and the Princess design team, the X95 is a volume focused pocket super yacht, with a load line under 24 meters which makes into standard yacht master licence, but also less problematic for certification.  The original X95 debuted in 2020, and has up to the end of 2024 been delivered in 23 units, these including the X95 Vista soft evolution.  The Princess X95 is considered by many as an ugly duckling outside, though many says while you are onboard the volume and spaces of the yacht makes you forget all about the outside.

Technical Data:

LOA - 29 m (95.4ft)

Beam - 6.70 m

Draft - 2.03 m

Displacement - 106,625 kg half load

Fuel Capacity - 13818 l

Water Capacity - 1865 l

Accommodation - 10 berths in 5 cabins, or 8 berths in 4 cabins, 3 crew in 2 cabins, or 5 crew in 3 cabins

Engines - 2 x Man V12 1900hp, V12 2000hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 22 knots max with 2000hp, 21 knots max with 1900hp

Project - Olesinski hull lines, Pininfarina concept

www.princessyachts.com

Sportfish Boat Wrecked by Fire in Pirates Cove Marina North Carolina

An express sportfish cruiser titled m/y Fin Chaser of twelve meters in length was wrecked by a fire on the C Dock of Pirates Cove Marina, in the Outer Bank of North Carolina at a blaze which started at 15:02 hours of Friday third January.  The fire was attended by crews from the Roanoke Island Volunteer Fire Department and Nags Head Fire Department, who additionally also removed the boat from its place to avoid further damage.  No one was injured in the fire as the sportfish cruiser was reported unattended during the blaze, but parts of the dock were also damaged from the fire.  Manteo Police Department is investigating the cause of the fire.

M/y Fin Chaser the express sportfish in this fire is a 1987 Jersey Cape Devil 40 as designed by Buddy Davis and Donald Blount and produced from 1987 up to the end of that decade.  The Devil 40 was replaced by the Devil 36.  Featuring the custom Carolina look, Jersey Cape is a New Jersey semi-custom boat builder, located in the Mullica river which started boat building in the mid seventies.

Princess Yacht Ends Beached in Redhead Beach New South Wales

A sixteen meter Princess sport yacht with two woman onboard ended beached to the South of Third Creek of Red Head Beach, New South Wales, Australia, on the morning of Friday third January.  The Princess yacht is reported to have suffered engine failure during navigation and ended beached.  Both woman onboard did not have any injuries. The area where the yacht beached was cordoned by the authorities as a salvage operation was organized the following day on Saturday, after which it was towed to a nearby marina.  The Princess yacht is reported to have had minimal damage from this accident.

The Princess sport yacht in this beaching is a V53 as produced from 2005 to 2009 to a design of Bernard Olesinski.  The Princess V53 came out as a replacement to the V55 and evolved into the V56 with the addition of a larger bathing platform aft.

Project: Cheoy Lee 127 Discovery

Cheoy Lee present the 127 Discovery project, a 38 meter triple deck super yacht designed by Nick Boksa. Drawing on his extensive background in both commercial and leisure vessel design, Boksa gave this explorer yacht a traditional steel displacement hull with a sharp entry and spray chine. The hull has been subject to extensive computational fluid dynamics studies, ensuring its stability, sea kindliness, and efficiency. The mission statement for the 127 Discovery is to support luxurious transoceanic adventures. To that end, particular attention has been paid to optimizing the service areas on board. While the yacht can be operated with a smaller crew, there are comfortable quarters for up to eleven, including a bridge-deck captain’s cabin which is something rare for a yacht of this size. Two crew lounges give the staff ample places to refresh during a long voyage. The Cheoy Lee 127 Discovery makes the most of every space on its four decks with interiors designed by Sylvia Bolton. The bridge deck leads into the large midships lounge, one of the most fun and flexible spaces on board. It can serve as a bar, media room or game-day sky box. Open the glass doors to the aft deck to create an indoor/outdoor party space complete with al fresco table. On the main deck, the full-beam owner’s stateroom seems transported from a superyacht. An alcove desk, his-and-her bathrooms and closets, this suite has it all. The galley also is huge, featuring a walk-in refrigerator and freezer, and plenty of space for food prep. It serves a dining area and salon where guests are treated to stunning views through expansive windows. Side decks allow easy crew transit, giving owners and guests privacy when desired. The lower deck holds four spacious guest suites, served by a dedicated pantry and washer/dryer. Forward, the crew enjoys facilities like a full laundry and large lounge typically found on a much bigger yacht. There is also an engineer’s cabin and shop off the engine room, which true to Cheoy Lee form is a paragon of practicality. To aft is the beach club with its own day head makes an inviting getaway and gateway to the sea. 

www.cheoyleeyachts.com