New Model: Stratos Dutch Build 50

Stratos is a new brand from the Netherlands which debut with the Dutch Build 50, a day sport yacht as designed by Bernd Weel.  Saying Dutch Build and then made of fiberglass might sound like whiskey from France to some or wine from Scotland, but Stratos say they wanted to build the best sport day yacht in its size and type.  The Stratos Dutch Build 50, is a latest entry into the ever competitive and popular walk around large day yacht offer, and design wise she reminds me of the early BlueGame models, before they went for the more tug boat look.  Though the name is new, Stratos comes from a long standing brokerage and dealership firm founded in 1970, as the name behind is Lengers Yachts a previous Ferretti Group and today Sanlorenzo Yachts dealer among other brands.  As a big walk around slash sport yacht go, the Stratos Dutch Build 50 offers fore to aft deck easy use, with the standard layout of aft sun-pad, dinette, wet-bar, quadruple seat helm station, and a fore deck sun-pad all this surrounded by full deep port and starboard walk around decks.  Down below the Stratos Dutch Build 50 offers a four berth accommodation in a two plus two layout, with a midships double berth, a U-shaped dinette which converts to a double berth, with a galley to port and shower head in between.  The Stratos Dutch Build 50 is powered by Volvo 480hp as standard, and or optional 600hp engines with IPS for top speeds up to 36 knots with the large engine option, with excellent sea keeping performance being noted thanks to a 22 degrees deep Vee hull shape.

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.06 m (49.4ft)

Beam - 4.45 m

Draft - 1.28 m

Displacement - 20 t half load

Fuel Capacity - 2100 l

Water Capacity - 450 l

Accommodation - two plus two berths

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

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pod drives

Speed - 36 knots max, 32 cruise

Hull Shape - deep Vee with 22 degrees deadrise aft

Construction - Vinylester resin with PVC sandwich core, super structure full carbon sandwich

Project - Bernd Weel design, Sea Level naval architecture

Certification - CE A

www.stratosyacht.com

Project: Rivera 4300 Sports Express

It's been a long time since Riviera presented an open express hard-top boat, the last which was the 43 Offshore Express as produced from 2009 to 2011.  Now Riviera present the project for a 4300 Sports Express, a versatile open hard-top sport cruiser, with a no patio door open cockpit but an extended hard-top which covers all the aft deck. The Riviera 4300 Sports Express is designed to spend more time on the water and want to make the most of every opportunity, with its main deck joining lounging, dining, and entertaining area, a fore deck sun bathing area for relaxation at anchor, and aft bathing platform for water sports. For overnight or longer the lower deck brings living and accommodation area comfortably sleeping five adults with a private master stateroom, aft cabin, lavish bathroom with separate shower, main galley and TV lounge.  The area will also feature two cabins, with a master double berth forward, and a midships cabin with three berths diving in a double bed and a single bed to starboard.  The Rivera 4300 Sports Express is to be powered by twin Volvo 440hp as standard, or optional 480hp with IPS pod drives, that will propel it at wide open throttle at over thirty knots.

www.rivieraaustralia.com

Prestige New Web Site

Prestige presents its new website.  Prestige was officially started in 2009, although the name first appeared in Jeanneau's model line up in 1989, when the Prestige 41 sport cruiser as designed by Massimo Musio-Sale and Vittorio Garroni, and naval architecture by Japec and Jernej Japokin.  The Jeanneau Prestige 41 was a good seller, with the first hull sold to famous French actor Alain Delon and selling a total of 45 units, but ultimately the model will only be produced for two years till 1991, and its platform used for the Ferretti joint venture Yarding Yacht brand and the 42 Fly and 42 Open models for another two years till 1994.  Eight years after the Jeanneau 41 Prestige is discontinued, the French boat and yacht builder now since 1995 owned by the Groupe Beneteau decides to return Prestige, and again gives design duties to Vittorio Garroni, as it presents the 36 with flybridge in the fall of 1999.  The Jeanneau Prestige 36 will start the Prestige line, as the model is followed by the Prestige 32 a year later in 2000, and the Prestige 34S sport cruiser in 2003.  Thanks to its nice design by Garroni and competitiveness the Prestige line is by the mid noughties a top selling name in the motor and sport cruisers from ten to fourteen meters in size segment, and Jeanneau notes this and in 2004 opens a solely Prestige factory in Nantes, with the plan to enter into the larger fifteen meters plus sizes, which it does in 2006 as it presents the Prestige 50S.  Seeing again more success Groupe Beneteau decides in 2009 to re-brand Prestige as an independent brand, as it launches the new Prestige 60 flagship model in that same year.  Following the rebranding Prestige keeps on expanding into larger sizes, as in 2013 it also launches the 750, which is produced for four years and still its largest build to date.  Prestige has in its story made two bold design choices; with the X-Line and M-Line series. The X-Line is a wide body volume focused series which arrived in 2019 and debuts with the X70 and is followed by the asymmetric semi-wide-body X60.  The M-Line comes in 2022 entering Prestige into the power catamaran segment with the M48, which is followed a year later in 2023 by the M8, what is Prestige largest for volume model to date.  As top sellers go the Jeanneau Prestige 34S from 2003 to 2009 is its best sold model to date with over five hundred units sold, and is followed by the 500 Flybridge and S sharing platform as produced from 2011 to 2019 which sells four hundred plus in total for the two model versions.  Currently Prestige offers thirteen models, divided into four lines; M-Line, X-Line, F-Line, and S-Line which start from the 420S and go up to the X70.  All Prestige models have to date been designed by Garroni, with the latest models being the F4.3 which debuted last January, and the upcoming M7 which is set to arrive in mid this year.  The Prestige web site is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Turkey, Portuguese, Russian, and Chinese, and takes you around with the following buttons; The Brand, Our Yachts, News, Services, Our Dealers, Configurator, and Contact.  Prestige is also on social media with bottom page links taking you to its Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, and Linkedin pages.

www.prestige-yachts.com

Production History:

Prestige 41 1989-91 (47) *design by Garroni **Jeanneau Prestige models

Prestige 36 1999-2009

Prestige 32 2000-09

Prestige 34S 2003-09 (500+)

46 2003-10

42 2006-10

50S 2006-08

50 2008-10

50S2 2009-10

38S/390s 2008-10/11

42S/440s 2008-10/11

60 2009-11 ** Prestige becomes an independent brand 

39 Flybridge 2009-10

400 Flybridge 2010-14

350 Flybridge 2011-12

500 Flybridge 2011-19 (400+) *includes S version

500 S 2011-19 (400+) *includes Flybridge version

60 S 2012-13

550 Flybridge 2012-15 (170) *including S version

620 Flybridge 2012-15

620 S 2013-15

550 S 2013-16 (170) *including Flybridge version

450 Flybridge 2013-17

450 S 2013-17

750 2013-17 *720 Yacht project

420 S 2014-19

420 Flybridge 2015-19

680 Flybridge 2016-20

630 2016-20

560 Flybridge 2016-20

560 S 2016-20

680 S 2017-21

460 F 2017-

520 F 2017-

460 S 2018-

590 F 2018-

520 S 2018-

420 F 2019-

590 S 2020-22

420 S 2020-

X70 2020-

690 F 2021-

X60 2022-

M48 2022-

M8 2023-

F4.9 2023- *F4 project

F5.7 2024- *F5 project 

F4.3 2025-

M7 2025-

Jeanneau Prestige 41, 1989 to 1991.  Jeanneau Prestige before Prestige.

Boat Yard Destroyed by Fire Near Porto Rotondo Sardinia

A fire has destroyed one of two sheds of Nautica Fundoni boat yard in Rudanza, near Porto Rotondo, to the North East of Sardinia for a blaze which started at about 02:15 early morning time of Saturday fifth April.  Two Vigili dell Fuoco fire fighting squads from Olbia, a squad from Arzachena plus a plane for water supply responded to the blaze.  Ultimately the fire collapsed and destroyed the shed of the boat yard affected by the blaze, and is reported to have wrecked a boat of about twelve meters in length, twenty ribs of medium and small sizes, a crane truck, and a van.  The damage is reported to be in the couple millions of Euros, with the cause of the fire not reported. 

Nautica Fundoni was founded in 1969 by Tonino Fundoni.  In the beginning of his career Tonino had the intuition to transform the classic Gozzo fishing boat with a planning hull.  The planning Gozzo's becomes a success with private boaters, and as a taxi tourist boat in the Emerald Coast.  Apart the mt 7,40 Gozzo Planante, Fundoni also produced the Topmarine ribs, with the production of these ceased following the fire of November 2014.

This is the second Nautica Fundoni fire as they had a previous blaze in nineteen November 2014, which damaged the production side of the business, and destroyed the moulds of the Gozzo Planante.

Project: Westport W135

Westport Yachts proudly announces the commencement of not one but three of the new W135 super yacht semi-custom series. These new spec builds mark another significant milestone in Westport’s history of crafting exemplary super yacht, with a dedication to craftsmanship, engineering, and luxury. The decision to initiate spec builds on these three 135 underscore Westport’s confidence in the demand for premium, high-performance vessels in the luxury yacht market. Each yacht will embody the signature Westport blend of sophistication, style, and seaworthiness, offering the ultimate yachting experience for owners and guests alike. The Westport 135 is engineered to impress, featuring an extended hull that not only enhances performance but also accommodates a state-of-the-art Selective Catalytic Reduction system. This cutting-edge technology aligns with Westport’s commitment to environmental responsibility, minimizing emissions and ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable yachting experience. One of the standout features of the enhanced Westport 135|41m is the additional space meticulously designed into the aft guest cabins. This expansion allows for the inclusion of king-size beds, elevating the level of luxury and comfort for guests. Every detail of the interior has been carefully crafted to provide an exclusive onboard experience. The W135 is designed inhouse by Westport for exterior and interior. The Westport W135 is powered by twin MTU 2600hp engines for top speeds up to 25 knots and a cruise of twenty. Build of fiberglass the Westport W135 is constructed to American Bureau of Shipping standards, and to MCA class.

www.westportyachts.com

New Model: Viking 82SB

Since presenting the Sky Bridge option some ten years ago, Viking has always kept it part of the Enclosed Bridge family.  Meaning that a Viking with sky bridge was an Enclosed Bridge model with that option being ticked. Things have changed in 2024, as Viking is rightly now making the Sky Bridge as a different variant of that model. The Viking 82 Skybridge is the first of the new models, although on its website the SD model has appeared also on the 90, and now stopped in production 72 and 80 models.  The Viking 82SB, is an interesting model variant and deserves its own designation.  See it that if you like the salon-like features of an enclosed bridge but also want to run the boat from an open bridge occasionally, the 82 Sky Bridge model is for you, providing the best of both worlds. The elevated bridge’s port-side console has a fully equipped helm with a recessed black acrylic panel for flush-mounted MFDs. Guests can enjoy the view from a forward L-shaped lounge, with easy access to a forward refrigerated drink box and a sink.  This Sky Bridge also makes fish and tuna searching much safer and easier.

Technical Data:

LOA - 25.27 m (82.9ft)

Beam - 6.53 m

Draft - 1.75 m

Displacement - 70,147 kg

Fuel Capacity - 10,111 l

Water Capacity - 1609 l

Accommodation - ten berths in five cabins

Engines - 2 x Cat C32A 1925hp, C32B 2025hp, C32B 2433hp, MTU 12V2000 M96X 2002hp, 16V2000 M96L 2635hp

Propulsion - line shaft Advanced Viking Propulsion System with twisted struts and rudders

Speed - 42 knots max 36 cruise with MTU 2635hp

Construction - fiberglass, carbon fibre/e-glass hybrid, resin infusion with light transfer moulding and variety of core materials

www.vikingyachts.com

Project: Hardy 45 European

Hardy introduces the 45 European project, a sea ocean going explorer cruiser as designed by Andrew Wolstenholme. The 45 European is based on the classic Hardy 42 hull, renowned for its seakeeping capabilities, effortlessly combining robust design with all the contemporary comforts and technologies of a modern explorer cruiser. With her expansive aft deck helm, luxurious saloon and galley, full beam owner’s stateroom aft and comfortable double forward guest cabin, the Hardy 45 European is ergonomically designed to provide plenty of personal space for all aboard. The stylish saloon and separate living quarters are fully equipped to support you in style and privacy on long adventures and days out on the water. The Hardy 45 European also transforms into an inland cruiser, featuring a low-profile design and a folding radar arch to pass under bridges effortlessly. The helm is situated on the aft deck, but you can opt for an additional internal helm position if you prefer. When cruising in open waters beyond the coast, this model seamlessly transitions between marine environments and comes into her own. Although this vessel easily traverses rivers and canals, her tried and tested hull design delivers the seakeeping of a rugged, ocean-going pilot boats a unique quality in this class of vessel. The Hardy 45 European is powered by twin Yanmar 440hp shaft drive engines as standard, reaching speeds of up to 28 knots and offering excellent fuel efficiency at displacement speed for long-range cruising. Although the standard model is equipped with twin engines, a single screw version is also available.

www.cockwells.co.uk

New Model: Pershing GTX70

The first Pershing GTX70, an agile and dynamic concentration of the innovations introduced by the GTX series, was launched last March nineteen in the port of Fano. The third model in the Sport Utility Yachts range, marks the beginning of Pershing's fortieth anniversary, delivering the sporty spirit and incredibly liveable spaces of the previous models, but in a more compact format that opens the range experience to a new type of customer. With a length of over 21 meters the GTX70, follows as the bigger GTX80 which arrived in 2024 the design direction of Vallicelli, who is assisted by Piero Ferrari guided Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee, and the Group’s Engineering Department. The GTX70 new hull was produced at the Ferretti Group Plug and Mould facility, which brings together the brand’s advanced technology and signature craftsmanship, and the boat’s construction was completed in the new Mondolfo production area where the GTX range is built. The GTX70 bring more spacious exterior and interior spaces than on other sporty yachts of similar length, ensuring an extraordinarily comfortable experience by increasing on-board liveability and offering direct contact with the water. Pershing GTX70 extends across two decks and a sport-bridge and can accommodate up to six guests in three cabins. The exterior design, in classic Pershing grey, reprises some of the stand-out style features seen on all GTX models. The slightly convex, stanchion-free sheer line runs from bow to stern, joining up with the bulwarks on either side of the cockpit, which open out to form two terraces that significantly increase the living space in the beach area. The sleek, sweeping lines, combined with the near vertical bow, endow this model with an unrivalled elegance. The beach area aft, furnished on this first unit with the optional sun-pad incorporated in the transom structure, has a total surface of 23 squared meters when the side terraces are open. Another stand-out feature is the stern swim platform with dual linear lift technology, which increases the available space by aligning the platform with the beach area and can also be used to launch a jet ski or a Williams tender. The importance of the concept of space is clear on the main deck, which has a seamless, open design. The cockpit, which is full shaded by the sport flybridge, contains a generous C-shaped sofa and a table. As on the GTX80, the exterior and interior lounge areas are connected via the galley, thanks in part to a pocket up-down glass panel incorporated in the galley unit. Moving forward, the importance of the widebody structure is clear to see in the layout of the living space, which contains two facing L-shaped sofas that give the area an even greater sense of harmony. The colours used for the interiors of this first unit have been chosen to highlight the contrasts between different elements, such as the dark nubuck leather upholstery of the sofas paired with the muted tones of the nearby stairwell. The ceiling is decorated with LED lights strips that deliver diffused light across the entire deck space, a feature also repeated on the lower deck. The lower deck contains three cabins and three en suite bathrooms, in a layout that optimises the spaces so that guests can enjoy maximum comfort in the sleeping area too. Pershing GTX70’s sixteen square-metre sport-bridge is split into three spacious areas for sunbathing, dining and the helm station. On this model it also features the innovative electric bimini top with prepreg carbon poles, available as an option, which can be used to shade the dining area and helm station. The Pershing GTX70 is powered by triple Volvo 900hp with IPS pod propulsion for a top speed up to 35 knots and a cruising speed of thity knots. The GTX70 is also CE Class A certified, the safest for yachts under 24 meter or eighty foot.

Technical Data:

LOA - 21.88 m (71.9ft)

Beam - 5.42 m

Draft - 1.84 m

Displacement - 50 t full load 

Fuel Capacity - 4200 l

Water Capacity - 1000 l

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

Engines - 3 x Volvo D13 900hp

Propulsion - Volvo IPS1200 forward looking dual propeller pod drives

Speed - 35 knots max, thirty knots cruise

Project - Vallicelli exterior and interior, Ferretti Group Engineering naval architecture

Certification - CE A

www.pershing-yacht.com

Sanlorenzo Yacht Ends Into Aquaculture Farm In Palmaria Island

A classic 21 meter Sanlorenzo yacht ended into a aquaculture farm in Terizzo, to the North East of Palmaria, near La Spezia on the late morning of Tuesday first April.  The yacht who was risking to finish stranded into the rocks, was assisted by the Port Captaincy of La Spezia who intervened with CP 865, who called a diving squad to free it from the tangled ropes in its running gear and a towing boat to move away the yacht from danger.  Ultimately the operation was a success as the yacht returned with its own power, but escorted by the Port Captaincy to its berth in Porto Mirabello marina.  The yacht was reported to have dragged anchor, ending into the aquaculture farm after the wind shifted direction and increased intensity, with no injuries reported from the accident.

The yacht in this accident is a first generation Sanlorenzo 70 as designed by Della Rolle and produced from 1989 to 1993.  The 70 came out as a replacement to the wood build Sanlorenzo 20, with the model evolving in a second generation 70 with sloop stern and produced till 1996.

Palm Beach Boat Show Unstoppable Challenge

In a blogger post dated May 2024, I commented how the Palm Beach boat show is growing, becoming in recent years the third North American boat show.  A year down the line the challenge is not only growing, but also becoming more important as the Palm Beach show looks to become in a year or two the second or first US boat show in size.  

Palm Beach boat show is aiming high, wanting the crown as the biggest boat show in the most important boating market of the planet.  As an example the 2025 Palm Beach boat show featured more super yachts to the Fort Lauderdale show, and apart this detail, the novelties presented in size upwards of ten meters were as much if not more to those of the Miami show.  One famous boating publication, Boating International also said that the Palm Beach is becoming the first US show for big yachts.  

The debuts at the 2025 Palm Beach show were again important, with three Italian builders making World new model debuts at the show; Azimut, Pardo, and Tankoa, and another important name like Grand Banks, also presenting a new 62 model.  Another debut, and probably the most important one on a national USA level was also that of Scout which publicly unveiled the 670 LXF, which is not only the South Carolina boat builder new flagship, expanding its size by fourteen foot, but the largest center console ever made.  But other important notes to take from the Palm Beach show, was also Viking who presented itself officially to the show for the first time, rather then by one of its dealers.

So the way things are moving the Palm Beach is set to become the other boat show of the USA. Because of its timing in end of Winter early Spring, the Miami boat show is the one in this cross road, rather then Fort Lauderdale which is held in mid fall.  

It will be interesting to find out the success of the Palm Beach boat show, the visitors are about half to what Miami brings for example; 50,000 versus 100,000.  But then many times the quality of the visitors is more important to that of the visiting numbers alone.  It is a bit the analogy of the Cannes Boating Festival versus Genoa Boat show.  Cannes has similar visiting numbers of about 50,000 to the boat show in Palm Beach, but if you ask the boat builders, many will tell you in the past decade or so it is the show to be, and they do especially in the bigger twenty meters plus sizes prefer it to Genoa show which scores 150% more visitors.