Projects: Sunseeker 55 Sport Yacht, Sunseeker Predator 55

On the opening day of the Cannes Festival Sunseeker announced two new seventeen meters sport yachts to launch in 2024, the 55 Sport Yacht and the Predator 55. Both the new models are to be based on the 2023 launched Superhawk 55 platform, with an identical length and beam, and are to be powered by the same twin 725hp IPS pod drives set up for speeds up to 35 knots.  Three knots less then the Superhawk 55, which is the trade off for the weight of the extra super structure.  Beside the sport bridge which you get in the 55 Sport Yacht, both the models have five choices inside, two for the upper deck; with a galley to starboard or a sofa, and three lower deck choices all about the middle starboard side; L-shaped saloon, spacious galley, and a three cabins with head choice.  More so with the 55 Sport Yacht, I think Sunseeker has something unique here, first of all sport bridge sub sixty feet are non existent, and second the three cabins three head layout is also very hard to find.  I think in the current panorama of sport yachts in this seventeen meters size no one has this option, with a couple of flybridge motor yachts offering this choice.     

The Sunseeker Predator 55 will replace the just stopped in production Predator 55 Evo, which was presented in 2020, as an evolution of the 2018 launched Predator 50.  Here the offer is nearly identical to the 55 Sport Yacht, same five total options on the main and lower deck, with a larger hard top opening replacing the mini sport bridge up top.

www.sunseeker.com

Sea Ray Cruiser Falls From Lift and Partly Sinks in New Jersey

A not attended ten meter Sea Ray sport cruiser partly sank after it fell from its lift in New Jersey on Tuesday nineteen September.  SeaTow Central New Jersey who reported the story on its Facebook page floated the vessel back, and then towed it to Key Harbor Marina for repairs.  The cause of the accident beside that it was a lift accident is not advised, if the lift broke, or high tide tipped the boat forward making it take water.

The boat in this accident is a first generation Sea Ray 350 SLX as produced from 2014 to 2020.  When introduced the 350 SLX was the biggest Sea Ray SLX range, and was replaced by a second generation 350 SLX.

New Model: Maritimo M75 Flybridge Motor Yacht

In 2023 Maritimo has celebrated twenty years of boat building, and what a better way to do so then by launching not one but two new flagships, both being the largest builds to date adding two foot from the previous largest offer, which was the 2009 unveiled 73 Cruising Motor Yacht.  This new Maritimo M75 Flybridge Motor Yacht follows the S75 which debuted in Spring at the Sanctuary Cove boat show, with which it also shares hull, and offers a near identical layout with the addition of an enclosed flybridge up top.  The M75 Enclosed Flybridge is reachable via an internal stair case to port side, and offers a dinette, C-shaped lounge and an opposite helm station.  To aft of the enclosed bridge is also an alfresco area with a large C-shaped dinette, and an island standing wet-bar.  The Maritimo M75 offers a main deck with an astern galley layout while, and as most enclosed bridge yachts has no helm station here which adding space to a very large lounging dining area.  Below deck is a four double cabins layout with an owners stateroom at midships and VIP suite forward, with a fourth cabin with twin bunks.  Considering the 22 meter size a bunk guest cabin can be a let down for some, but consider also that the Maritimo 75 flagship series is very well thought on the engineering side of things, especially in what regards to efficiency, engine positioning and shaft angle. This is something not seen much nowadays. The Maritimo M75 is standard powered by twin Scania 1150hp engines with optional 1380 or 1625hp MTU engines.  Official speed numbers are not provided, but a review online of the first hull sharing S75 which was powered with the Scania's 1150hp did reach 28 knots in a very light ship set up. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 23.07 m (75.8ft)

Hull Length - 22.8 m

Beam - 6 m

Draft - 1.60 m

Displacement - 55,200 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 10,000 l

Water Capacity - 1,400 l

Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins, one crew cabin berth

Engines - 2 x Scania DI16 1150, or MTU 10V2000 M86 1380hp, 10V2000 M96L 1625hp

Propulsion - direct line shaft with five bladed propellers

Speed - 33 knots with MTU 1625hp 26 with Scania 1150 *estimates

Project - Maritimo, Tom Barry-Cotter

www.maritimo.com.au

Classic Cranchi Boat Saved from Sinking in Marina Dorica

 

A classic Cranchi sport cruiser of nine meters in length was saved from sinking in Marina Dorica, Ancona on Tuesday nineteen September. The classic Cranchi boat was reported started sinking in the late morning, with the port authority coming first to the scene, and then calling the help of the divers section of Teramo.  The sport cruiser was just kept afloat with large floating balloons, after which she was emptied from the water by a pump.  After this the classic Cranchi was declared safe and floating, with the the boat taken to safety at about 17:00 hours.  No one was involved in the sinking, with the boat reported sinking for a failed seacock.

The Cranchi in this sinking is the 31 Endurance, as designed by Andreani and produced from 1983 to 1991, here in the version two with radar arch as introduced in 1988.  The 31 introduced the Endurance name for Cranchi, for what would from the mid nineties become the performance range. 

Project: Italia Yachts IY 43

Founded in 2011 Italia Yachts from Venice, Italy seems to be the latest one out of sailing yacht builders which enter into power boat production.  Italia Yachts venture into power boating starts with this IY43 centre console sport cruiser of twelve meters in length codenamed Veloce, designed by Skyron with interiors from Arbore and Partners.  With the IY 43 designer Skyron presents a sport cruiser with latest design trend of opening aft bulk-heads which double the aft deck space, and a modular sun-pad which becomes a U-shaped dinette looking aft.  Down below the Italia Yachts IY 43 offers sleeping accommodation for four with a master bed forward, and twin berths at midships.  A spacious head with fully enclosed shower is located to port side.  The lower deck area can be ordered in other versions; with two double berths, and or moving the master stateroom at midships with a dinette forward.  The Italia Yachts IY 43 continues to show its versatility in the propulsion choices; being offered with Volvo stern drives 380hp or 440hp, to 480hp IPS pods, and twin or triple Mercury 300hp petrol gas outboards.  Speed estimates are up to forty knots.   

www.italiayachtsinternational.com

New Model: Manda Yachts Senses07

Manda Yachts from Naples, Italy is a new brand which debuted in 2023 with its first model the Senses07, during the 2023 Venice boat show.  The Senses07 is designed by Giovanni Ceccarelli and is to be followed in the future by a smaller Senses05 of about fifteen meters in length and larger 09 models.  With the Senses range Ceccarelli follows similar ideas to the innovative Evo V8 which debuted in 2021 for a single level explorer yacht, which might look to an untrained eye as a sailing yacht without a mast.  This is an interesting design, especially for those who like a deck full of entertainment spaces.  In the Manda Senses the T-top area is fully enclosable with windows.  The Senses07 is offered in three lower deck options, with three or four double cabins.  The standard layout has a master stateroom forward, with an astern open plan galley-dining-lounge area overlooking the large bathing-beach area.  This part of the lower deck can be ordered as a master stateroom, in the other four or three cabins version, with the galley moving in between the cabins.  The Senses07 hull #01 is powered by the standard Volvo 725hp with IPS pod drives with speeds up to 24 knots, and a range of five hundred nautical miles at sixteen knots.  

Technical Data:

LOA - 21.50 m (70.5ft)

Beam - 6.10 m

Draft - 1.23 m

Displacement - 34 t half load

Fuel Capacity - 4600 l

Water Capacity - 1500 l

Max Persons - sixteen

Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, eight berths in four cabins, two crew

Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 725hp, up to D13 1000hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pod drives

Speed - 24 knots max sixteen cruise

Range - 500 nm at sixteen knots

Hull Shape - planning modified Vee with 19.5 degrees average deadrise

Construction - single skin hull bottom with sandwich above waterline and superstructure

Project - Giovanni Ceccarelli

Certification - CE B-16/A

www.mandayachts.it

Project: Baglietto DOM 115

Baglietto proudly announces the sale for the first DOM 115: the 35m new model with steel hull penned by Stefano Vafiadis for the exterior was presented just a few months ago during the 2023 Fort Lauderdale boat show. The delivery for the first DOM 115 is for 2025. The 115 is the entry and second model in the DOM line, which debuted with the successful 133 model, with the first unit launched this year and has so far sold in nine units and orders going into 2026. The Dom line success is attributed to the timeless and yet modern captivating lines with a sporty adventurous character, impressive volumes for size, and panoramic windows which let in plenty of natural light and open up onto beautiful terraces. Other features of the Baglietto DOM series are the doors of the main deck saloon which can be opened completely and concealed to seamlessly connect the interiors and exteriors, huge floor-to ceiling windows with 270-degree view on the upper deck which is entirely glazed on three sides, aft area developing over three levels that gradually descend towards the pool overlooking the sea, and full customisation with steel and aluminium construction ensuring flexibility in terms of layout solutions, adding value on a yacht of this size. Another feature which DOM is appreciated is the tender stored in a side garage freeing pace on the aft beach area deck. The Dom 115 will offer a five double cabins accommodation for ten to twelve guest beds, and seven crew berths in four cabins. The Dom 115 is powered by twin 1182hp for speeds up to fourteen knots, with hybrid propulsion also available.

www.baglietto.com

New Model: Arksen 85

 

Arken are delighted to announce the official launch of Project Pelagos, the first of its 85ft explorer super yachts. Launching from the Isle of Wight in May, the first Arksen 85 is privately owned and has hit the water for the first time ahead of her sea trials and ultimate handover to the client. The highly awaited Arksen 85 is a remarkably efficient long-range explorer, capable of taking on global adventures thanks to an important range of 6000 nautical miles at seven knots, or equally at home weekend cruising with family and friends. This pocket super yacht of 27 meters in size is first of two Arksen 85 in build, the second unit being called Project Ocean. Project Pelagos has been designed specifically with family life in mind, with an efficient hull design, and three-decks customised to the owners requirements. While the owner is keen to explore further afield with friends, the primary usage is for the family in the Mediterranean. The interior takes a more relaxed seating format on the main deck, providing a large, open-plan family space and preferring the al-fresco dining the warmer climates offer. Replacing the standard snug for a Captain’s cabin allows the vessel to retain the three guest cabins and owners’ suite.

Technical Data:

LOA - 27.3 m (89.5ft)

Beam - 6.9 m

Draft - 1.55 m

Displacement - 82.5 t half load

Fuel Capacity - 18,000 l

Water Capacity - 6,000 l

Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, or eight berths in four cabins, 2 crew in one cabin

Engines - 2 x Cummins QSL9 330hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - fourteen knots max, eleven cruise, seven long range

Range - 6000 nm at seven knots

Hull Shape - semi displacement

Construction - aluminium

Project - Rob Humphreys exterior, Design Unlimited interiors

Certification - CE A

www.arksen.com

PowerYachtBlog Best of 2023 Nominated

Project: Sanlorenzo SP92

It was a matter of time for Sanlorenzo to follow its ground breaking SP110 with a new sister, and here comes the five meters smaller SP92 project set to debut in 2024.  The Sanlorenzo SP92 follows the SP110 and the clever innovative vertical use of space in a super sport yacht which offers an un-edited way of using the two decks.  Another innovation in the SP series is also the use of free spaces in the exterior, not the first here, as Wally was a pioneer in this for its sailing yachts and later in its Power series.  Less is more is the evolving design theme in this second decade of the second millennium!  Sanlorenzo is giving no information for the SP92, but she will probably be available in a three or four double guest cabins layout plus two crew cabins as most sport yachts in this size usually are.  We do have some news on the engines though as the Sanlorenzo SP92 is to be powered by twin Man 2000hp with jet drive propulsion for speeds up to forty knots and a cruise of 35, and a range up to 900 nautical miles in a slow mode cruise.  

www.sanlorenzoyacht.com

Fast Furious Controlled Fire in Malta

A 44 meter super sport yacht titled m/y Fast and Furious had a fire at about 18:45 hours of Thursday fourteen September when berthed in Grand Harbour Marina, Vittoriosa, Malta.  The fire was reported immediately with Maltese fire fighters and police going into the scene and controlling the blaze.  No one was injured in the fire, which was put under control after some minutes.  At this stage it is not reported from where the fire originated, with the yacht having near to nothing visible damage of the fire outside.

M/y Fast and Furious is a 2016 AB Yachts 145 as designed inhouse and build as a one off custom unit.  The 145 is the largest AB Yachts build to date, although the Viareggio builder did offer a 166 project in 2013 which never sold.

Project: Airon Marine AmX 36 WA

Paolo Molinari Airon Marine shows that to present new projects and models you do not need to be a corporate giant, and in 2023 the Lake Como boat builder will debut not one, nor two, but three new models from ten to fifteen meters.  Airon Marine is a currently a name on the top of things and the project for the AmX 36 WA project shows more of this, bringing innovation and versatility in a ten meter day-sport-cruiser.   Airon Marine AmX 36 WA is a cabin sport cruiser, with easy to move walk-around spaces from stern to fore, a modern T-hard-top integrating and protecting the centre console, and last but not least opening side bulk heads aft which increase deck space. Down below the Airon Marine AmX 36 WA is also incredible comfortably considering its exterior spaces, offering sleeping accommodation for five persons, in a convertible U-shaped dinette forward, a three berth cabin at midships, with a galley, and spacious shower head in between.  The AmX 36 WA is also versatile to what is power choices from outboard to stern drives, starting from twin 230hp diesel up to 400hp outboard gas petrol's.  Currently under going final testing the first unit of the Airon Marine AmX 36 WA is powered by twin Yamaha 300hp outboards which should be followed by a second with stern drives.

www.aironmarine.it

New Model: Holterman 54 Commander

Holterman is currently collecting accolades for its futuristic looking and engineered X-treme range, but the Dutch boat builder looks back into its long standing Commander range and presents a new 54 model.  The new Holterman 54 Commander is based on the replacing 2017 launched 53, with the addition of an extended hard top covering half the cockpit, and an extended bathing platform aft. Other light modifications are the foredeck forward looking settee now more comfortable and added with a back rest.  Accommodation for the Holterman 54 Commander is for two double suites, a forward VIP, and a master room at midships.  The main deck offers an astern galley layout all in a comfortable flush floor.  The Holterman 54 Commander is powered by twin Volvo 180hp engines with line shaft propulsion with top speeds up to ten knots and a cruise of eight.  

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.60 m (54.4ft)

Waterline Length - 16.3 m

Beam -  4.90 m

Draft - 1.25 m

Displacement - 30 t unloaded, 35 t loaded

Fuel Capacity - 2000 l

Max Persons - ten 

Accommodation - four berths in two cabins, plus two additional converted berths

Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 180hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - ten knots max, eight knots cruise

Range - 944 nautical miles at cruise

Hull Shape - displacement round bilge

Construction - steel

Project - Trimm exterior and naval architecture

Certification - CE A

www.holtermanshipyard.nl

Pershing Yacht Burns Down in Dominican Republic

An unattended nineteen meter Pershing sport yacht went ablaze near La Romana in Dominican Republic on the afternoon of Sunday tenth September.  The yacht was unattended at the time of the fire, with the marina staff towing her out to avoiding damage to nearby yachts.  Videos on social media show the Pershing yacht as it is smoking from the engine room while in its berth, and then fully engulfed in flames outside the harbour.  The Pershing yacht became a total loss, and then sank.  La Romana is in the South of the Dominican Republic, and is 5/8 of the Hispaniola island, with the other 3/8s being Haiti to the West. 

The Pershing in this fire was a 64 model, as designed Fulvio de Simoni and produced from 2008 till 2016.  The 64 was a replacement to the Pershing 62, and was replaced by the second generation 62.

Project: Azimut Fly 72

While some other brands keep delaying a new model, Azimut anticipates the market with the new Fly 72, a project announced just ten days before debuting at the 2023 Cannes boat show, which will debut along the two other Magellano 60 and Verve 48 Azimut novelties at the Cote d'Azur passarelle. The new Azimut Fly 72 replaces the fall 2015 launched 72 Flybridge after seven years of production, and continues the evolution of the Alberto Mancini era, which started with the 78 Flybridge in 2019. Three more Azimut to go for Alberto Mancini and transforming all the Flybridge range to his vision. The Azimut Fly 72 will also feature interior by Fabio Fantolino, a new name for the Italian builder, but also a first for the Torino and Milan based architect in the boating World. According to Azimut press release Fantolino will bring a transversal design language in the Fly 72, with the interior rendering showing clean modern furnishings. In the press release Azimut has not shared details of the Fly 72 accommodation, of which I would expect a standard four cabins layout and a crew cabin for two. Azimut is also quiet on the technical details, the outgoing 72 Flybridge is Man powered with shafts, but the 68 and 78 are Volvo IPS powered. So it will be interesting if Azimut will continue it's move into pods with this new Fly 72 model.

www.azimutyachts.com

Wally New Web Site

One of the most innovative boat builders and brands Wally presents its new website. Wally was officially founded in 1994, but the roots of the company started to take shape in 1991 when the founder and owner Luca Bassani was looking for a particular sailing yacht which he could single handle, and this ended up in creating an innovative custom project for himself. In 2003 Wally challenged itself again by launching the first Power model, the much talked about 118, designed by Lazzarini and Pickering and able to reach sixty knots. The revolutionary Power118 was launched in only one hull, and was soon followed by smaller Power models upwards of 45 feet. Since January 2019 Wally became part of the Ferretti Group, with the brand still managed by the creative mind of Luca Bassani.  Wally currently offers eleven fuel engine models, including of which are two fifty meters concepts.  The current range starts from the Tender43 and go up to the Why200 which debuted in 2021, with the latest model being the Why150 launched in Spring 2023. As for the sailing yachts which is where Wally made its name onward from 1994, the Monte Carlo residing Italian brand has launched over 45 custom builds from 37 feet up to 50 meters, with the current range offering four models from the eleven meters of the Nano37 to the Wind150 project. Wally new web site is available in English, Italian, Chinese, Spanish, French, and German languages and takes you around with the following buttons; Menu, Fleet, Being Wally, Wally Brokerage, News and Events, and Contacts.  Wally is also on social media with page bottom links, taking you to its Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Vimeo pages.  

www.wally.com

Production History: (Power models only)

Power118 2003 (1)

Tender 45 2003-18 (20+)

Power70 2005-07 (3)

Power47 2006-14

Power73 2007- *project Power70.4

Power64 2008- *project Power60

Power55 2009-14

Ace 26m 2012-16 (5) *project WallyShadow 24m

Power50 2015-18

Power52 2019-21

Tender48 2019-  FerrettiGroup ownership

Tender48 X 2020-

Tender43 2020-

Tender43 X 2021-

Why200 2021- (5

Power58 2022-

Power58 X 2023-

Why150 2023- (3

Why100 2024-

Power50 2024-

Sea Ray Ends Grounded in Mississippi River

A ten meter Sea Ray sport cruiser ended grounded in Pool3, Mississippi river, Wisconsin side, near St. Louis on the morning of ninth September.  The case of the grounding are not reported, although the indications are for error in navigation, with the sport cruiser hitting some of the unmarked wing dams.  It is also possible that the sport cruiser was in a delivery following a sale seeing that it has no title on the back.

The Sea Ray sport cruiser in this grounding is a late nineties 330 Sundancer, the second generation series, modified from the previous with port holes replacing the view window on the super structure and the radar arch now forward looking.  The 330 was replaced by the 340 Sundancer in 2000.

Project: AB Yachts 125

AB Yachts announce the project for a 125 flagship model, with the first unit selling in end of June, and coming from a client request.  The AB Yachts 125 is based on the current 120 flagship, which launched in March this year and a second unit currently under construction.  The AB Yacht should be very similar to the 120 with the main difference coming for a larger beach club, with opening wing bulk heads which extended this beach-bathing area by about forty per-cent.   Another difference between the 125 and AB Yachts 120 is for a larger tender garage, with the new flagship able to put a tender under eight meters in length.  The interior of the first AB Yachts 125 is fully customized, but for an idea the 120 is offered in four or five double cabins plus crew quarters.  Speed numbers have not been announced but expect forty knots as is standard from any AB Yachts model ever made.

www.abyachts.com

Kaos Vandalized Again

Super yacht Kaos, has been vandalized for the second time in the space of less then two months, to be exact 54 days later, on the morning of Friday eight September in Port Veil, Barcelona.  This time around the two activists come from the Scientist Rebellion group, who showed a video on social media followed by a text with some numbers about the pollution such yachts, and there billionaire owners generate.  

With the same reason they should share numbers on the cost of the spray cans they used, so that they are delivered from an Asian country to a shop near them, made with cheap labour so they use it for this useless endeavour.  Capitalism is not perfect, but it is still better to what we had before, where one is free to develop the way he wants, rather then enslaved to it.  

M/y Kaos is a 110 meter Oceanco hull Y714 as, designed by Igor Lobanov for exterior and, interior from Raymond Langton, and naval architecture by Nigel Gee.  At launch in 2017 she was the largest Oceanco, superseded by seven and seventeen meters larger builds in 2022 and 2023 respectively, this last being the publicized sailing yacht Koru owned by Jeff Bezos.

New Model: Prestige F4

Prestige has launched in the midst of Summer 2023 its new F4 model, a flybridge cruiser just under fourteen meters in length, with an important beam to size ratio.  Prestige F for flybridge bread and butter range has in recent times seen little novelty, with its last new model the F690 coming in 2021.  Looking at the details the Prestige F4 seems based on the 2017 launched F520, identical beam but also a similar layout, with a one meter shorter length. It will be interesting what the F4 will replace in the Prestige range, so far both the 460 and 520 are present in the website, but I do think that in the long run this replaces the 520 so expect a new F5 model in 2024 which goes in the fifteen to sixteen meter size and a similar styling to this new model. Many reviewers are giving the Prestige F4 top marks and calling her a segment re-inventor for its spaces and important beam to length ratio, which re-imagines the space inside by the width. Probably Prestige here has got a couple of lessons while developing its power catamaran range in the last two years, but I also think that it looked at the Absolute 470 which has an identical beam and a similar layout below with owners suite forward.  Still thanks to the important beam the Prestige F4 offers probably a best in class main deck layout here offering a spacious L-shaped dinette and galley on the main deck.  Down below the Prestige F4 offers a three double cabins layout, with an owners cabin forward which is in a mid high level area giving similar space to that of a midships level stateroom.  Also thanks to the beam the two guest cabins at midships offer more space then usual with the starboard cabin being particularly spacious, and offered with moving berths which become a double.  The F4 can also be fitted with an optional crew cabin aft.  Other details in the Prestige F4 are the near bulkhead free flybridge, protected by stainless steel railing, and the option to have a vertical seating on the aft deck for an open view aft, in lieu of the standard L-shaped lounger.  The Prestige F4 is powered by twin Volvo 480hp with IPS pod drives for top speeds up to 28 knots and a cruise of 22.

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.18 m (49.9ft)

Hull Length - 13.4 m

Beam - 4.49 m

Draft - 1.17 m

Displacement - 15100 kg light, 19700 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 1300 l

Water Capacity - 586 l

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

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 480hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS650 pod drives

Speed - 28 knots max 22 knots cruise

Range - 250 nm at 22 knots

Project - Garroni exterior interior, Valentina Militerno de Romedis interior, Michael Peters hull, Prestige engineering

Certification - CE B

www.prestige-yachts.com

Tiara Cruiser Wrecked by Fire in West Palm Beach, Florida

A nine meter Tiara sport cruiser with two men onboard went ablaze about three hundred meters offshore to the Intracoastal Waterway, East of North Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, Florida at 18:39 of Tuesday fifth September.  The West Palm Beach Police Department said its Marine Unit was patrolling the waterway and quickly arrived on scene to find the sport cruiser, fully engulfed in flames.  They then moved the boat closer to shore, and managed to extinguish the fire, with the boat ended wrecked.  The Police Department later reported that two men on board the boat escaped without injuries.  The US Coast Guard is investigating the incident.  This is the third boat fire in a span of three days at Palm Beach.

The boat in this fire is a Tiara 3100 Open as produced from 1979 to 1991 sold in over eight hundred units. The 3100 Open was replaced by a second generation Tiara 3100 Open.

One Person Injured as Boat Goes Ablaze in City Island

One person was injured after a sport cruiser of about ten meters in length titled m/y A Package Deal caught fire by the fuel dock at 673 City Island Avenue on City Island, Bronx just before 18:00 hours of Tuesday fifth September 2023.  The sport cruiser sunk in the Long Island Sound shortly after firefighters were able to get the blaze under control. Witnesses say the boat's owner had just pulled up for gas and was standing on the dock, when the attendant started filing the tank up.  The one injured person was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries, as the fire was placed under control an hour after the call for the blaze was received. Sixty firefighters and twelve units worked to prevent the fire from spreading to the fuel dock and surrounding buildings.  The army corps of engineers will raise the boat so fire marshals can inspect the wreckage, but investigators believe the cause of the fire was most likely an accident.

The boat in this fire is a Carver 360 Sport Sedan as produced from 2003 till 2004 and then with the 36 Sport Sedan name till 2006.

Project: Rio Le Mans 50

Rio have started to tease for a Le Mans 50 project set to debut in 2024.  The Rio Le Mans 50 looks set to be part of its Coupe collection, sitting in between the thirteen meter Sport Coupe 44, and 58 models.  From this first rendering tease the Le Mans 50 is also be a bridge model in between the two ranges, with features coming from the Open models, see low free board aft, looking similar to that of the Daytona 50.  

www.rioyachts.net

Two Persons Saved in Aft Cabin Cruiser Fire in Lantana Florida

Two boaters were saved as a twelve meter aft cabin cruiser went ablaze in Loggerhead Marina at Lantana, Florida at about 15:15 of Labor Day Monday fourth September. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue tended to the fire first, and were then helped by Boynton Beach Police Marine Units. The fire units fought the fire from both land and water, with ending semi-sunk and a wreck. The two boaters were reported to be having an afternoon rest, with the fire alarms alerting them of the danger as they escaped. They were later taken to a local hospital for treatment. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Motor Yacht Sinking in Belleair

A 23 meter motor yacht titled m/y Christmas Spirit, partly sank near Belleair boat ramp, in Tampa on the afternoon of third September.  United States Coast Guard and Police Community Support Officer went to the scene to assist the boater and evaluate the scene.  The boater sustained no injuries and during inspection it was seen that the yacht was leaking fuel in the sea, and was later surrounded and protected with a hard boon and absorbent pads.  The motor yacht had to be left boomed till Tuesday fifth September when a cleaning up process had to be made.  

M/y Christmas Spirit is a 1992 Lazzara 76, as produced from 1992 to 2002 in 48 units.  The Lazzara 76 was available with two important layout options; wide-body deck house and enclosed skylounge flybridge.  Lazzara made thirty in each of these versions.  The Lazzara 76 was replaced by the 80 in 2003. 

Unfortunately the last twelve months have been tough on m/y Christmas Spirit, which was sold as salvage from the aftermath of Hurricane Ian from end September 2022, the worst hurricane to hit Florida since the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935.

New Model: Nordhavn 71

Hull #1 of the brand new Nordhavn 71 model was launched at the Ta Shing factory at the end of July, marking a milestone in the modern era of famous explorer yachts name. With the Nordhavn 71 comes a luxurious ocean crossing masterpiece, meant to be owner-operated. She is being shipped to Seattle in the moment to owners who have put their faith and trust in the Nordhavn brand the past twenty years, creating memories aboard their prior three hulls: a 50, 57 and 68. Soon they will take delivery of the N7101 and explore the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. The N71 was conceived and designed by Nordhavn’s Chief of Design, Jeff Leishman, in early 2021, followed by mould construction and a steady progression of hull builds. Currently Nordhavn is building 71 hull three. N71 represents the further development of the third generation Nordhavn designs, incorporating a subtle elegance of styling evolution based on her longer waterline and plumb bow. Beneath her skin, the N71 is packed with leading edge technology and includes features as the bulbous bow, based on 45 years experience of owner feedback, and creating and evolving Nordhavn models. With a twenty meter waterline and generous six meters plus beam, the Nordhavn 71 is beautifully spacious and has the room and feel of larger boats, and at over one hundred tons and carrying just over 18,000 litres gallons of fuel, there is no mistaking her capability.  The Nordhavn 71 is powered by twin John Deere 285hp engines.

Technical Data:

LOA - 21.9 m (71.9ft)

Waterline Length - 20.8 m

Beam - 6.85 m

Draft - 2.08 m

Displacement - 103.5 t

Fuel Capacity - 18234 l

Water Capacity - 2271 l

Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, or eight berths in six cabins

Engines - 2 x John Deere 6068SFM85 285hp

Propulsion - line shaft with ZF Ni-Alum-Bronze four bladed S-class propellers

Construction - solid bottom with Gurit G-80 pvc core vacuum bagged hull sides, three coats of Vinylester resin and Isphotalic gelcoat

Project - Jeff Leishman

Certification - CE A

www.nordhavn.com

Project: ISA Yachts Granturismo 50

ISA yachts present the project for the Granturismo 50. Streamlined profile, straight bow, typical set back superstructure and fully balanced volumes are the hallmarks of the Granturismo range, which since announced in 2012 has already sold three units, the 66 designed by Vallicelli delivered in 2012, the 45 in 2022, and the 80 flagship currently under construction. The Granturismo 50 is designed by Enrico Gobbi Team for Design for both exterior and interior, with naval architecture in house by Palumbo super yachts. Build in aluminium she will have a volume of 499 gross tons, which will offer an interior of five of six double guests cabins. Crew accommodation is for eleven crew in seven cabins, including a captains room behind the helms bridge. The ISA Granturismo 50 is to be powered by twin MTU 2600hp for a top speed up to twenty knots, a cruise of fifteen, and an economic of twelve which gives a range up to 3500 nautical miles.

www.isayachts.com

Super Sport Yacht Burns Down in Sydney

A 28 meter super sport yacht titled m/y Andiamo burned down in Woolwick Dock, Sydney at 20:10 hours of Saturday second September.  The yacht was reported unattended at the time of the fire, and took New South Wales Fire and Rescue teams some hours before it could be fully controlled and extinguished.  The fire took longer then expected also because the yacht was carrying over four thousand litres of fuel. Investigations on the cause of the fire are ongoing, although the case is not treated as suspicious.  Azzurra as the picture above shows became a total wreck after the fire, but no further damage to nearby yachts was made, thanks to the intervention of the fire fighting crew. 

M/y Andiamo is a Azzura 28.7 meter build in 2010 to a design of One2Three, a one off project with a carbon fibre hull and fiberglass super-structure.  Built and designed in Australia, this Azzura super sport yacht was first commissioned by Sandy Oatley, the son of the late Bob Oatley who with his Wild Oats maxi sailing yachts won the Sydney Hobart race nine times.  

Founded by Iain Murray, Azzura Yachts from Australia was the power boating arm of Azzura Marine, who also owned Marten and Sydney Yachts.  Azzura build three other super yachts from 26 to thirty meters in between 2002 and 2010, with Andiamo being its last build.  Azzura Marine entered receivership in 2009, and was liquidated in 2019.

New Launch: Feadship 118m Hull. 1010

Feadship has in the end of 2022 launched its hull number 1010, its largest build to date, surpassing the 2018 launched 110 meter motor yacht Anna, hull number 1007 by eight meters.  Feadship hull number 1010 is designed by Espen Oino for exterior with interiors by Francois Zurretti, and naval architecture by Feadship engineering arm De Voogt.  A unique feature of 1010 is the curved glass for an observation area on the top deck. Largest Feadship to date, although not for long as hull 821 to be launched in 2024 is to be seventy centimetres longer.  Hull number 1010 had to be titled Katyusha, a name which suggests a Russian ownership although we have no confirmation about this.  Still half year after its completion hull. 1010 has not been delivered yet, renamed to NB1010 and since completing her sea trials in October 2022 has not moved from Harlingen in the Netherlands.

Technical Data:

LOA - 118 m (387.1ft)

Beam - 19 m

Displacement - 4999 gt *volume

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - nineteen knots

Hull Shape - displacement

Construction - steel hull aluminium super structure

Project - Espen Oino exterior, Francois Zuretti interior, Feadship De Voogt naval architecture

www.feadship.nl

The French Experiment

Beneteau Group has really grabbed its Prestige motor yacht brand, turned it upside down and starting experimenting with it in the last three to four years.  It all started with the X wide body range presented in 2020, and continued with the M for multi-hull introduced in 2022 with the M48 model.

The Prestige brand has been the most consistent and successful of the giant French Group motor boat portfolio. For example the Prestige 550 introduced in 2013 sold over 150 units in its first three year production run, with other previous smaller models as the 46 Fly and 34S from the noughties selling two hundred and five hundred plus respectively.  The other Prestige models in its traditional Flybridge and Sport lines have all been successful, a well deserved success to be fair, as I think Garroni has done an impressive job on the design of these, mixing modern lines, latest amenities with conservative looks and the competitive good quality-price point the French Group is known for.  

It would be interesting to know what made Prestige do this hard-turn in its strategy.  May be its previous innovative and nice Prestige 750 flagship launched in 2013 never sold as expected, but then in that fifteen to 25 meters, is not an easy size to enter and compete against long standing Italian and English names.  Reality is when you compete in that higher quality market it is difficult to enter, even if you offer a product with the same quality, and probably Beneteau Group knows this the most as it seems to be giving up on its Monte Carlo Yachts brand, which it debuted in 2010 with MCY76, and has seen no new models in over two years.  

The Beneteau Group has strong sales in 2023, an increase of a whooping 43% and today its motor boating lines leads at 57% its sailing yacht division, so on numbers alone they are right on what they are doing.  But the Prestige motor boat brand which was started in 2001 as part of a Jeanneau model line, and became an independent brand in 2009, changes in direction seem odd as an outsider, considering the legacy and sales Prestige generated in the last twenty years.

Hurricane Idalia

Hurricane Idalia started to form on the 26th August from a low pressure in Central America and the Eastern Pacific Ocean.  Idalia touched briefly category four on thirtieth August, when it reached the Big Bend region of Florida, and later become a category three as it crossed to South East Georgia.  Hurricane Idalia later pushed into the Carolinas as it became a Tropical Storm.  Idalia reached 110 knots of wind speed as it made landfall in Florida although it biggest damage came from the storm surge, with water level rising by over two meters.  Since August 31 Idalia has dissipated in the Atlantic, near the Bermuda's.  Idalia was the third hurricane, second major one, and the tenth storm of 2023.

Idalia caused damage to tens of boats and yachts mostly from the storm surge.  Videos on social media showed drifting boats in the Florida canals, while some home owners ended with boats in the court yard in the aftermath of Idalia's storm surge.