June 5, 2025

Five Persons Saved as Sport Yacht Goes Ablaze in Fajardo

A 23 meter sport yacht titled m/y Emilia with five persons onboard went ablaze at Puerto del Rey Marina, Fajardo at 17:54 of Wednesday four June.  Emilia was reported to have just fuelled up 2200 litres of fuel and was heading to Porto Chico marina, when the fire alarm started to ring and smoke showed up from the engine room.  Seeing this the captain called for assistance anchored the sport yacht outside the harbour, and instructed the five boaters to go fore-ship, who then jumped in the water and were recovered by a nearby boat.   Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action responded to the fire, and were followed by US Coast Guard sector San Juan with yacht Emilia ultimately ending wrecked.  The cause of the fire is not understood as the US Coast Guard is investigating the fire.
M/y Emilia is a Cantieri dell Arno Leopard 23 Hard Top as designed by Poalo Caliari and produced from 1997 to 2006 and sold in about ten units.  The 23 Hard Top was the hard-top version of the Leopard Sport 23 which arrived two years before and was a replacement to the Leopard Sport 21.50, and was then replaced by the Leopard Sport 24.

New Model: Outer Reef 780 Adventure

Outer Reef Yachts is proud to announce the successful completion of the first 780 Adventure, a 24-meter steel-hulled explorer yacht, meticulously built at the Outer Reef Netherlands shipyard. The yacht’s recent launch was marked by a private celebration, honouring this significant milestone. Built to CE Category “A” standards for unrestricted ocean navigation, and with optional MCA Small Commercial Vessel Code compliance, the 780 Adventure embodies the fusion of robust engineering and elegant design. Her fast displacement steel hull and superstructure ensure exceptional durability, while a refined interior layout supports long-range cruising in comfort.  The first Outer Reef 780 Adventure is powered by twin Cummins 425hp, which give a top speed of twelve knots, cruises at eleven, and delivers an impressive range of up to three thousand nautical miles at seven knots.  Optional upgraded engines can take her to a maximum of eighteen knots and 12 knots cruising speeds.  With a volume of 140 gross tons, the Outer Reef 780 Adventure offers generous accommodations, including flexible guest and crew layouts: two VIP cabins, two twin guest staterooms, and crew quarters with two double cabins.  Outdoor living is equally well-considered, with a large swim platform, expansive sunbathing zones, and a forward lounge featuring a wet bar and Omega-shaped sofa. A 1000kg capacity crane positioned forward enables seamless deployment of tenders and water toys, with ample storage in the lower deck lazaretto. The 780 Adventure marks a new generation of explorer yachts from Outer Reef, combining steel construction and long-range capabilities with lifestyle-focused design and customizability.   This first Outer Reef 780 Adventure is set off on her maiden voyage and is scheduled to arrive in the South of France in around the end of this month.
Technical Data:
LOA - 23.95 m (78.7ft)
Waterline Length - 22.9 m
Beam - 6.75 m
Draft - 1.90 m
Displacement - 107 t, 140 GT *volume
Fuel Capacity - 15,000 l
Water Capacity - 4000 l
Max Persons - fifteen
Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins, or six guests in 3 cabins, 4 crew in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB 6.7 425hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - twelve knots max, eleven cruise, seven knots long range
Range - 3000 nautical miles at seven knots, 1500 nm at eleven knots
Hull Shape - fast displacement
Construction - steel, hard and support beams in aluminium alloy
Project - Bernd Weel exterior, Franz Ruiz naval architect 
Certification - CE A Unrestricted Navigation, MCA Small Commercial Vessel code optional

June 4, 2025

Pilot Boat Collides Into Super Yacht in Venice

A pilot boat collided into a super yacht of about fifty meters of length which was moored in-front of the Basilica La Salute, in the Giudecca channel, Venice, just before mid-day of Wednesday June four.  No one was injured in the collision with the pilot boat actually reported to be taking the pilot for the super yacht, so it navigates out of the Venice channel and into open sea.  The yacht was seen leaving following the accident, and the damage if any was not reported.  Looks like the pilot boat had its throttle stuck forward, just enough to have momentum and collide into the yacht stern and finish partly for a few seconds atop its bathing platform, before it went astern and fully back in the water.
The super yacht of about fifty meters in length of this collision was not reported and is not identified.

Project: Bluefix Boatworks NorthCape 48

Big things are happening at Bluefix as construction has started for a NorthCape Custom 48, designed specifically for sportfish professionals Bryan Toney and Jason Long with a heavy dose of next-level performance and rip-snorting capabilities.  The NorthCape 48 is a model which sits between the recent launched Bluefix NorthCape 43 and NorthCape 51 models.  With two high profile fishermen endorsing the NorthCape Custom 48 she will feature many unique design features.

June 3, 2025

New Model: Italyure 50

Over three years in the making the Italyure 50 is finally here. A project of Maurizio Marzocca who has designed all the Italylure's thus far, the 50 was first announced as a 45 in 2021, and then evolved to what it is in early 2024. Marzocca with the Italyure 50 brings on the ideas of the smaller 35 and 38 center console walk around models, with more spaces and confort on offer. As walk around center console the Italyure 50 offers all length easy to use spaces fore to aft, a distinctive feature is the large C-shaped settee forward, which is followed by a bench settee looking forward, and a sun-pad on top of the cabin coach roof. To aft is the usual layout of the European center console of a central sun-pad, dinette with opposite settees, galley wet-bar, and an offset to port side helm station. Down below the Italyure 50 is offered in two layout options. The standard Open version which has a forward double berth, a relaxing settee L-shaped sofa to starboard and a second enclosed cabin to port side, served by two heads. The optional cruise version offers three cabins, with the forward cabin being enclosed and a third cabin replacing the sofa to starboard. The Italyure 50 is powered by FPT 630hp engines and line shaft propulsion, with options for Volvo 550hp and IPS pod drives also being available.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.67 m (51.4ft)
Hull Length - 13.7 m
Beam - 4.81 m
Draft - 1.50 m
Displacement - 16 t half load
Fuel Capacity - 1200 l
Water Capacity - 600 l
Accommodation - four berths in two cabins, or six berths in three cabins
Engines - 2 x FPT Cursor 90 630hp, Volvo D8 550hp *with IPS
Propulsion - line shaft, or Volvo forward looking IPS700 pod drives
Speed - 34 knots *estimated with line shaft engines
Construction - resin infused fiberglass, carbon fibre also used
Project - Maurizio Marzocca
Certification - CE B

June 2, 2025

Twelve Persons Saved as Sport Cruiser Goes Ablaze Near Procida

Twelve persons were saved as a twelve meter sport cruiser went ablaze near Marina Grande, to the North of the Phlegraean Island of Procida on the afternoon of Monday second June.  The twelve persons were first assisted by nearby boaters, with the Port Captaincy of Ischia boat CP 807 coordinated by the Maritime Directorate of Naples following.  A Vigili dell Fuoco fire fighting boat also came to extinguish the blaze.  Ultimately the boat was wrecked by the fire, and barely floating.  Following the fire one boater was kept under observation, as the other eleven persons were uninjured and taken on land by the Samaritan boaters which helped out and the CP boat.  The cause of the fire is said but not confirmed to have started from a mechanical failure.
The sport cruiser in this fire is a 2024 build Nerea NY40 as designed by IdeaeItalia and produced from 2022.  Nerea was founded in 2018 by Sicilian from Trapani native Dario Messina, with the company debuting with the NY24 in 2019, this followed by the NY40 its second model, three years later.

Project: Marex 390

Marex present the project for an upcoming 390 model as designed by VOM Creations and Alpha Engineering. The Marex is designed as an addition to the 330 and 440 Scandinavian range, offering a perfect balance of open and enclosed spaces. To ensure Marex 390 meets the real needs of boaters, all feedback from the previous Marex owners was collected, and thoughtful details were incorporated. The Marex team worked closely with VOM Creations and Alpha Engineering, taking care to create a more open and comfortable space, in the 390 which will feature a warped variable V-shaped hull, and an innovative structure that ensures superior stability, efficiency, and performance on the water.  Long, sleek windows run along the hull, giving the profile a fresh and elegant look.  Marex has always prioritised functional design, and this is seen on the 390 in the details like the swim platform benches that serve a dual purpose: from seats next to the water to expansive stowage for fenders, lines, and toys. The new cockpit transparent door lets in more light and makes docking in harbours easier, while also keeping a connection to the sea.  The foredeck’s hatch has a hidden bow sprit to be easily flipped out, making access to land from the bow easy. The sun-pad also serves as a floating toy, a feature that is very popular among families. The adjustable backrest of the mattress allows it to be used as a chaise lounge.  The Marex signature enclosure, the Smart Canopy System, remains a highlight repeated in th390.  The side curtains can be deployed in seconds, and together with two sliding roofs, the boat can be adapted to various weather conditions.  The Marex 390 offers two generous dining areas; one in the open cockpit and another in the enclosed salon. In the cockpit, a U-shaped sofa extends to accommodate an additional starboard-side seat, comfortably seating up to eight guests around the table.  Inside, the salon features a more spacious layout, resulting in a more open and social atmosphere. A reversible backrest transforms the seating into a U-shaped dining area around the table. When the backrest is positioned at the rear, it creates a co-pilot seat. A foldable office table completes the setup, offering a practical workspace.  A large sliding door combined with a retractable window allows the salon and cockpit to open up into one continuous space, perfect for socialising with family and friends.  The galley is compact but cleverly designed. It includes an induction Miele hob (with generator installed) or a gas hob, a sink with a cover, a double fridge and freezer, an optional oven, and plenty of storage, including new upper cabinets on both sides of the salon. The solar panel system, installed on the roof, provides constant power for the fridge and lights, allowing for boating away from shore power.  The accommodation on the Marex 390 is designed to deliver true home comfort on the water. Both the forward and midship cabins feature enlarged double beds with premium mattresses that improve sleeping quality. Spacious wardrobes and generous standing height add to the overall sense of comfort. In the midship cabin, a sofa serves as a cosy seating area or an additional sleeping space for children. A separate shower contributes to the home-like atmosphere, while large windows on the lower deck fill the space with natural light, creating a bright and airy ambiance.  The Marex 390 is to be powered by twin Volvo 320hp or 380hp with sterndrive propulsion, or a single 480hp on V-drive line shaft.

June 1, 2025

Coming Up Dual Console

A lot has passed since Grady White presented the first dual console boat the Tarpon 190 in 1978.  Dual Console were for many till the end of the noughties a bow rider boat, with less seating and more fishing amenities.  But in recent years dual console boats started to become their own, not only bigger, but also with features that are unique to them, becoming the new boat to have in the block, especially if entertaining is as important to fishing.

It's all interesting as dual console boats are having a similar growing curve in the last five years, to that of center console's boats in the twenty-ten decade.  But I think that dual console boats have a growth curve which can even exceed that of center console especially in the bigger thirty foot or more size, and can be more enticing to the pleasure crowd, and when sizes get bigger like ten meters plus also able to put more cabin over night comforts in them.

That is why the inventor of the dual console boat, Grady White today offers ten DC's upwards from 21 foot, and in the Miami 2024 boat show also launched the largest dual console to date with the Freedom 415, which I think is just the beginning of the genre going into bigger sizes.  Dual console's have endless possibilities as sizes become bigger, becoming even a more versatile platform to a center console boat.  Some companies like Boston Whaler, Pursuit, Regal, Sea Ray are expanding and investing in the genre, while others like Bertram, Southport, Tiara are taking a more cautious approach with a model or two offer.

It will be interesting in the future to see also a European take on the genre, just as it is with the center consoles - walk around genre today.  To be fair in Genoa boat show 2024 a new European boat builder name BB Yachts debuted the 44 Ischia, a bow rider sport cruiser with interesting cabin accommodation.  Can you call it a dual console, definitely not but she was close to one as it can get.

May 31, 2025

Two Boaters Saved as Flybridge Cruiser Sinks Near Maryland

Two boaters were saved as an eleven meter flybridge cruiser started to sink four nautical miles East of Point Lookout, Maryland, on the morning of Saturday 31 May.  The boaters made a distress call on channel sixteen, as Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes heard the call and sent the US Coast Guard sector Maryland to assist.  The rescuers just arrived in time, as seconds after picking the two boaters the boat capsized and sank.  The cause of the sinking of the flybridge cruiser has not been reported. 
The flybridge cruiser in this sinking is a Sealine F37 as produced from 2000 to 2009 to a design of Bill Dixon.  The F37 was a replacement to the 360 Statesman and was replaced by the F380.

18 Months Old Child Injured in River Thames Boat Explosion

Nine people including of which an eighteen month toddler were injured as a classic cabin cruiser exploded near the town of Lechlade, on the edge of Wiltshire, River Thames on mid-day of Saturday 31 May.  The boat exploded first and then went ablaze as Thames Valley and Hampshire and Isle of Wight repsonded with two air ambulances and six road ambulances, with fire engines from Gloucestershire constabulary, Thames Valley police, Wiltshire police and the Ministry of Defence police were also called to the scene, in a huge emergency response.  The eighteen month toddler which was reported to have life changing injuries was flown to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children for urgent medical care.  The other eight persons were taken to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, with two of them still under observation.  The Police also mentioned the heroics of two passers-by from Wales who jumped in the water to save the lives of those who could not swim.  The cause of the explosion is not reported, with the boat reported to be a liveaboard of a family.
The boat in this explosion and fire is a Marine Projects Pilgrim 30 as produced from 1968 to 1970.  The Pilgrim 30 came out as a replacement to the Project 31, and was replaced by the Princess 32, which debuted the famous name of the British boat builder in 1969.