July 23, 2024

Project: Contest 52MC T-top

Contest present project for a 52MC T-top bringing the best of Dutch semi-custom building. This introduces a complete new set of standards, improving on comfort both underway and at rest, on safe working and movement around deck, on the level of personalization, and the absolute thrill and pleasure in ownership. The T-top is also the most modern looking of the five 52MC versions available, with two having been produced and the other two; Open Sport and Classic still remaining as a project.   The Contest 52MC T-Top is offered in a three double cabins layout and is standard powered by twin Cummins 550hp.

July 22, 2024

Steve Jobs Super Yacht Collision in Naples

Two famous super yachts, the 78 meter m/y Venus and 120 meter m/y Lady Moura collided while at anchor near Naples on the morning of 22 July, for a video footage filmed from the larger yacht, and was published online on the seventh August.  The accident happened as a gust of wind reportedly of over fifty knots interested the area the super yachts were anchored.  According to reports both of the yachts did not drag anchor, though one of them was reported to have had double the needed chain, which probably is what might have led to this collision.
M/y Venus is a 78 meter Feadship hull number 684 completed in 2012 to a design of Philippe Starck.  Motor yacht Venus is famous because it was commissioned by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, although he actually never got to see it personally as he died one year before completion, with his widow wife Laurene Powell Jobs taking commission of the yacht and using it privately ever since.
M/y Lady Moura is a 105 meter Blohm and Voss launched in 1990 to a design of Italian Paolo Scanu with interiors by Luigi Sturchio and commissioned by Saudi Arabian Nasser Ibrahim Al-Rashid.  When launched Lady Moura was the ninth largest super yacht, today she sits at number 48, although she still remains the third largest Blohm and Voss yacht, behind the 2008 119 meter m/y A and the 1931 build 136 meters m/y Savarona.  Founded in 1877 Blohm and Voss was purchased by Lurssen in 2016.

New Model: Horizon V77 Cockpit Motor Yacht

The much-anticipated Horizon V77 Cockpit Motor Yacht embodies the best of both worlds: unparalleled comfort and an owner-operator’s desire for maximized outdoor living. Recognized for its quality, optimized functionality, and world-renowned Jonathan Quinn Barnett design, the V-series now offers a whole new level of versatility with a dedicated cockpit. Spanning just over 23 meters, the yacht’s remarkably voluminous interior, thanks to its expansive near six meters beam, evokes a sense of freedom to venture wherever the heart desires. Large windows on the main deck and cabins create an inviting atmosphere for any adventure, be it cruising the Bahamas or exploring the West Coast. A meticulously designed cockpit forms the centerpiece of this collaborative effort between fishing enthusiasts, yachting professionals, and Horizon’s design team. This versatile space caters to both leisure and functionality, featuring an array of rod holders, electric reel outlets, duel live bait transom wells, and ample storage to ensure equipment is readily accessible yet neatly stowed away. Reinforcement in the upper deck allows for multiple varieties of outriggers to be installed, depending on the owner's preferred style of fishing. The hydraulic fold down transom allows for multi-use purposes, including ease of access to water, tenders, or water toys. The expansive aft deck flows effortlessly into a cozy salon, while the contemporary, well-equipped galley features an island with three barstools and a forward dinette for intimate meals. Below deck, the full-beam ensuite master provides a luxurious retreat, complemented by an ensuite twin cabin with a sliding bed to starboard, a bunk cabin to port, and a forward ensuite VIP. Crew quarters located aft ensure guests’ privacy, with direct access via the cockpit. Breathtaking views from the enclosed bridge with two helm chairs are paired with L-shaped seating that beckons with plush comfort. The inclusion of a dayhead ensures convenience for guests, while the skylounge layout caters to some clients’ owner-operator lifestyles. The spacious boat deck is primed for entertainment and features an inviting U-shaped bar. The Horizon V77 CMY sets a new standard for transforming the boundless ocean into an exclusive playground. This innovative yacht blends impeccable luxury with functionality, transforming every voyage into an unforgettable experience.
Technical Data:
LOA - 23.47 m (77ft)
Waterline Length - 21.4 m
Beam - 5.93 m
Draft - 
Displacement - 60 t
Fuel Capacity - 4542 l
Water Capacity - 1136 l
Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins, two crew in one cabin
Engines - 2 x Cats C18A 1136hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Project - Jonathan Quinn Barnett

July 21, 2024

Toy Marine New Web Site

Toy Marine which comes from the North West part of Liguria in Italy presents its new World wide web virtual showroom.  Toy was founded in 2002 by Alessandro Novella and Aldo Tomasina, to create a line of traditional looking cruisers and yachts based on the down East lobster boat design, with the first model the 36 launching two years later in 2004.  Today Toy features a line of five models as designed by Nauta, from the best seller 36 model, to the upcoming 72 project for a new flagship.  At some point Toy also presented a 110 flagship model, with the order of this big flagship never coming through.  Toy new website is available in Italian and English language; and takes you around with the following buttons; Home, Company, The Boats, News, Service, Contacts, and Brokerage.  Toy Marine is also on social media with an Instagram link button located at the bottom of the page.
Production History;
36 2004- (50
51 2006-
68 2007-
47 Tender 2014-20
Toy Marine 36, the Ligurian builder debut model

July 20, 2024

Project: Benetti 80 meters Project Iron Man

Benetti announces the sale for a custom eighty meter super yacht, code named Project Iron Man, this new order showcases Benetti’s worldwide appeal as a builder of full custom super yachts. At 80 meters, she embodies her owner’s ideals, expertly interpreted by Benetti and the designer, a common vision was realized to raise the bar across the board. Project Iron Man is a testament to Benetti's commitment to excellence in yacht building. The full-custom 80-meter yacht is a repeat Benetti owner, who sought out the Italian's expertise to create a yacht on the frontiers of design, technology, and seakeeping. With exteriors designed by Giorgio Maria Cassetta and his Designers Team, the mega yacht meets the highest standards for refinement and quality of life. The owner, having fallen in love with the aesthetics, functionality and reliability of Benetti from a previous vessel, returned to the Shipyard to rediscover and refine a shared vision with deep involvement in the design process. One of the key considerations was creating large outdoor entertaining areas to accommodate the owner’s multi-generational family, offering the relaxing and scenic environments they are used to on their current Benetti, ensuring the peace and tranquility they cherish. The delivery of Project Iron Man is anticipated in late 2028, marking the beginning of a new chapter for her owners and a proud achievement for Benetti.

July 19, 2024

New Model: Otam 90 GTS

Following its test launch in May, the initial sea trials, immediately confirmed that the first GTS version of the new Otam 90 model exceeded all expectations. Comfort, space, and style blend seamlessly in the luxurious 28-meter super sport yacht with outstanding performance. The Otam 90 GTS titled m/y Sexy Me achieved a top speed of 45 knots, surpassing its contracted 42 knots, thanks to its pair of powerful 2,600 horsepower MTU engines, Arneson surface propellers and a hull meticulously designed by Umberto Tagliavini and Aldo Scorzoni of Marine Design and Services. This configuration ensures exceptionally smooth and responsive navigation, combined with excellent sea-handling capabilities, confirming Otam's esteemed global reputation and consistency. This achievement is even more remarkable when considering the additional weight on board compared to the original design, following specific requests from the owner, including the customized rotating gangway, stabilizers, extensive use of marble in both the interiors and exteriors, an advanced stereo system with a dedicated rack room and much more. The remarkable silence at all speeds is noteworthy, especially since the GTS is a semi-open version. Onboard comfort has greatly impressed both the client and the shipyard builder, thanks to meticulous attention to sound insulation. Customized design is a distinctive feature of the Otam 90 GTS, following the tradition of the Italian shipyard. Thanks to the collaboration with Giuseppe Bagnardi of the BG Design firm, the new flagship stands out for its unique and tailor-made details. The helm console, for example, is inspired by the world of racing cars with a carbon-fiber structure that resembles the protective ‘halo’ system used by Formula 1 and other racing cars. This structure also features an integrated and independent cooling system to keep the console electronics at a constant temperature. The air intakes on the front of the yacht and ‘snorkel’ on the hardtop further recall the hood and roof scoops on high-performance luxury cars. The hull coated with metallic silver paint with bronze accents, specially developed by Awlgrip for the owner, is just one aspect that reflects its personality. The layout of the first Otam 90 GTS, naturally full custom, accommodates guests in its three ensuite cabins. Below deck there is the full-beam owner’s suite, a VIP cabin, a third guest cabin and a lounge with an office rack room for the stereo system. On the main deck, in addition to the spacious convivial cockpit with an opening hard top, there is specific access to the kitchen, which is deliberately separated from the VIP section. The crew area is generously sized and features independent access. Aft, there is a large sunbathing space and a large bathing platform. Forward, a spacious dinette with relaxation and dining area are always accessible thanks to the generous and comfortable side walkways. Prominent among the Otam 90 GTS’s endless customization possibilities are full or half-height side windows, single or double hull window, for the master suite; a larger or smaller garage, in this case capable of accommodating a 4.35 m tender which can vary in size upon request. The new flagship of the Italian shipyard is also available in the hard top version, with a closed salon on the main deck. Otam's hand building custom approach once again confirms the yard's intention and ability to meet very demanding owners, with the majority of these coming from super yacht ownership in developing unique projects as the ultimate expression of exclusivity and luxury in today's market, with this new 90 GTS, as was the case of the beautiful 85 GTS, and all the custom 80's delivered thus far, and also the 58 GTS. The flagship of Otam's Fast and Iconic range will debut at the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival 2024 in September, with the Genoese shipyard also celebrating its seventieth anniversary.
Technical Data:
LOA - 27.75 m (91.1ft)
Hull Length - 23.95 m
Waterline Length - 23.5 m
Beam - 6 m
Draft - 1.52 m
Displacement - 70 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 8000 l
Water Capacity - 2000 l
Accommodation -  two, or three, or four double cabins layouts, one crew cabin for two
Engines - 2 x MTU 16V2000M96L 2600hp
Propulsion - Arneson ASD15 A1S surface drive with ZF 3070 gear boxes
Speed - 43 knots max, 36 cruise
Project - Giuseppe Bagnardi BG Design exterior, Umberto Tagliavini and Aldo Scrozoni naval architect
Certification - CE A, ISO8666 for dimensions

July 18, 2024

Propulsion: Sharrow By Veem

 
Sharrow Marine, a subsidiary of Sharrow Engineering LLC, the industry leader in innovative marine propulsion technology, announced today a significant advancement in its partnership agreement with Australia-based Veem Ltd, a designer and manufacturer of disruptive, high-technology marine propulsion and stabilization systems. After months of collaborative design work and testing of Sharrow by Veem prototype designs on Veem’s 64’ Viking test vessel, the companies confirmed that the key benefits of the Sharrow Propeller over conventional propellers can be replicated for inboard vessel applications. Sharrow and Veem have verified that the results of the rigorous testing, specifically improved fuel efficiency, a significant reduction in vibration and noise, improved handling, and excellent reverse thrust meet the contractual criteria for progression to the next phase in their partnership. Both parties are now committed to, and working toward, the manufacture and sale of the Sharrow by Veem range of propellers for inboard vessels, focusing initially on fulfilling pre-orders to ensure the bespoke designs are optimized for each vessel and then testing the propellers upon installation to validate the comparative results. This data will be critical for expanding the wide range of applications for inboard vessels globally. This rollout signifies a breakthrough in commercial marine propulsion and enables expanded defense opportunities in Australia and the US, particularly regarding reduced noise and vibration, and operational performance of military vessels. Additionally, both companies recognize the potential of this technology to contribute to global sustainability efforts. The Sharrow by Veem propellers align with international initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and marine noise pollution, promising a more sustainable future for marine transportation.

July 17, 2024

Heavy Rain Unmoors Dock in Lake Ontario

Heavy rain has ripped a dock in Navy Flats Park, Oaksville, sending the dock and about twenty boats from six to thirteen meters in size drifting into Lake Ontario, at about 13:30 of Tuesday sixteen July. The runaway boats and tens of thousands of dollars of damage were only a slice of the chaos on Tuesday, when the nearby area grounded to a halt as nearly 100 mm of rain overwhelmed its infrastructure with about 170,000 homes and businesses losing power as subway stations and highways flooded. Oakville Marine Search and Rescue assisted the boaters in retrieving the boats with a second crew coming out to help.  There were no injuries, and for the most part, the boats avoided any significant damage.  
But the damage could have been magnitudes greater, with the outcome being very different if this happened on a weekend, when hundreds of people would have been around the harbor. Instead, no boats sank, and collision damage was at a minimum.

Project: Rustler 41

 

Rustler was an unknown name to me, up until some months ago when I came across the rendering of this 41 project as designed by Tony Castro.  Doing some research I have found that Rustler was founded in the early eighties in Falmouth debuting with a 36 sailing boat, and today offers a seven model sail yacht range from 24 up 57.  The Rustler 41 is the Falmouth yacht builder debut in motor boating, with British designer Tony Castro presenting a two cabin lower deck layout with a living on the main deck.  The first unit is currently in build and is to be powered by twin Yanmar 320hp on shaft drives, with pod or outboard options also factored in the design for different customers requests.

July 16, 2024

Cuddy Cabin Cruiser Sinks at South Bass Island State Park

An unattended seven meter cuddy cabin sport cruiser sank while moored in Lake Erie at South Bass Island State Park, Ohio on the afternoon of Monday fifteen July.  The cuddy cruiser sank with heavy rain, and the waves which struck the boat from outside the dock.  A storm which hit the North East part of USA and South East of Canada created heavy damage for a couple of days, including heavy rail fall which resulted in power cuts.  The cuddy cabin cruiser was recovered on the following day by TowboatU.S.
The boat in this sinking is a Mariah Z241 as produced in the late nineties.  Mariah was founded in 1989, closing down and purchased by Sea Fox in 2001.