July 26, 2007

America's Cup - 33rd Edition Valencia 2009

22 days after Alinghi succesfully defended the cup in the Spanish city, the Defender confirmed the host city again for the defending of Yacht's most prized trophy, yesterday late afternoon. The cost for hosting the cup for the 2nd time is 150 million EURO. Already 4 teams have announced there challenge so far, being the following: > Challenger of Record, Club Náutico Español de Vela - Desafío Español > Royal Cape Yacht Club - South African Team Shosholoza > Royal Thames Yacht Club - TEAMORIGIN > Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron - Team New Zealand The new class rules of yachts will feature bigger sloop yachts of 90 feet and the new rules will be published on 31st October along with the event regulations. The Cup will be held in 2009 between May and July, 2 Acts pre-regattas have been announced, one to be held in Valencia in July 2008 and the other in Autumn in a disclosed location in Europe. On the other front, the legal battle saga of the USA Team Oracle represented by the Golden Gate Yacht Club and headed by software billionaire Larry Ellison continues in it's battle against the Defender new set of rules and the illegitimate role of Challenger of Record Desafio Espanol. Legal proceedings have already started in the supreme court of New York. On the sport front the American Team has just announced the guaranteed services of 3 times Cup Winner Skipper Russel Coutts. The legendary Kiwi skipper signed both as Skipper and CEO for the US Team.

July 25, 2007

Project: Apreamare 32 Open

The new Apreamare 32 Open from the Sorrento shipyard designed by Victory design continues the new traditional style. Joining the classic lines of the tradition Gozzo with modern features has been the focus for the project of this new model. Much detail has been taken to blend the harmonious deck with soft lines, creating a muscle traditional modern look. Outside a large cockpit with it's 2 aft settees and open space layout make the best use of space, while on the forward deck a spacious sunbed completes the exterior arrangement. Inside is an open plan layout, with double berth forward, C-shaped dining area, galley and separate head arrangement. Interior finish is characterized of precious mahogany wood. The new 32 Open is conceived with modern solutions joining the traditional lines of the Neapolitan Gozzo.

July 24, 2007

New Model: CNL Admiral 35

The new Cantieri Navali Lavagna Admiral 35, a 35 meter mega yacht made its launch on July, 5th at sunset. Attending the christening ceremony were the ship’s owner, accompanied by his family and friends, CNL’s President Annamaria Jaselli, Vice-President Laura Ceccarelli and General Director Francesco Ceccarelli, as well as Admiral management and workers. The celebration was performed with full respect for the marine tradition, including ceremonial draping's, the priest’s benediction, and the godmother’s ritual breaking of the bottle. Immediately afterwards, this splendid 35-meter vessel, accompanied by the fanfare of trumpets, touched the water of Lavagna harbour. Built out of light aluminium alloy the new planning Admiral 35 is powered by two MTU 2775hp diesel engines to reach a maximum speed of thirty knots. The exterior lines, designed by Centro Stile CNL, are sleek and harmonious, and the night-blue hull complemented by the silvery superstructure creates an extremely sophisticated look. The interiors designed by Luca Dini Studio are classic and elegant: oak’s depth for the walls and valuable wengé as flooring predominate throughout the vessel, except for the cream-coloured carpeting in the cabins. The main deck comprises the salon, with custom leather couches and brown leather armchairs, and the dining room, graced by a plate crystal table top resting on brown leather mountings, boasts chairs by Frau. A passageway between these areas reaches the generous owner’s cabin, with its marble elegant bathroom, completed with sauna. The kitchen, all in opaque white-lacquered cabinetry with marble counters is located on the lower deck, connecting to the dining room through a dumbwaiter. Completing the accommodations on the lower deck are two twin cabins in the stern, a two beds cabin on one side and a double cabin on the other. The crew quarters are on the aft, including the master’s cabin, two two-beds cabins, and a service door that connects to the engine room. A state-of-the-art gym is located in the stern and boasts a carbon-steel canopy that can raise to allow open-air workouts. An expansive fly-bridge is equipped with a table and couches for the ultimate in comfort and freedom while cruising.
Technical Data:
LOA - 34.98 m (114.7 ft)
Beam - 7.4 m
Draft - 1.3 m
Displacement - 123 t
Fuel Capacity - 24500 l
Water Capacity - 4400 l
Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 12V4000 M90 2775hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - max thirty knots cruise 28 knots
Range - 900 nm @ cruising
Construction - light aluminium 5083
Designer - CNL, Luca Dini, Magazini Associati
Class - ABS Maltese Cross A1 Y.S. AMS, MCA Compliant

July 23, 2007

Class 1 - Victory wins Arendal second GP, Qatar 96 takes important second spot

Top European Team in the Arendal GP, Foresti & Suardi from Italy taking 4th place

Victory 77’s Arif Saif Al Zafeen and Jean-Marc Sanchez took their second consecutive win of the season in the Norwegian Grand Prix to move 11 points clear in the overall world championship standings. Qatar 96 took second spot ahead of Victory 7 third place and now making two podiums in two races. Starting from second spot on the front row, Victory 77 were second into the first corner behind Spirit of Norway 10, but trailed the defending champions for four laps, making little impression. Then on lap five, Spirit of Norway hit trouble and slowed, with 77 grabbing the lead and gradually extending their lead over Qatar 96 over the next eight laps to win the 12-lap, 95.72nm Norwegian Grand Prix in 53mins 59.42secs. Important second consecutive podium for Qatar 96 very much in the title hunt and moves them into second equal place in the championship with Victory 7 and in a good position to challenge Victory 77.
The first of the European teams was Foresti & Suardi, with Giampaolo Montavoci and Marco Pennesi taking an important fourth place in their first race together and on Pennesi’s Class 1 debut. Also producing an impressive showing was the youngest pairing in Class 1, Tom Barry-Cotter and Pal Nilsen in Spirit of Norway 20, finishing fifth.
Outside of the top five, there was a trail of disappointment. Bjorn Gjelsten and Steve Curtis, looked to be in control of the race on the opening laps and on course to put their title challenge back on track, when Spirit of Norway suffered a broken water hose, forcing them into the pits and despite returning to the race, were able to salvage only five points when engine problems forced them to stop. Negotiator’s miserable start to the season continued, leading the long list of retirements; SeveneleveN, Jotun, VM Foresti & Suardi and Qatar 95 all stopping with technical problems. Victory team now head to Oslo for the Scandinavian Grand Prix on August 12, leading the title race, with Arif Al Zafeen and Jean-Marc Sanchez looking to make it three wins out of three.
RACE RESULTS:
1. Victory 77 – Al Zafeen(UAE)/Sanchez (FR)
2. Qatar 96 – Al Thani (QAT)/Nicolini (ITA) + 00.43,98
3. Victory 7 – Al Suwaidi (UAE)/Hendi (UAE) + 01.06,28
4. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/ Montavoci (ITA) + 02.41,39
5. Spirit of Norway 20 – Barry-Cotter (AUS)/Nilsen (NOR) + 04.01,81
6. Spirit of Norway 10 – Gjelsten (NOR)/Curtis (GB) + 3 laps
Qatar 95 – Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) – dnf VM
Foresti & Suardi 2 – D Cirilli/K Olsen (NOR) - dnf
Jotun 90 – Zaborowski (NOR)/Tandberg (NOR) - dnf
SeveneleveN 18 – Polli (ITA)/Giorgi (ITA) – dnf
Negotiator 50 – Eker (NOR)/Parsonage (GB) - dnf
CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS – after round 2 of 8
1. Victory 77 – Al Zafeen(UAE)/Sanchez (FR) – 42pts
2=. Victory 7 – Al Suwaidi (UAE)/Hendi (UAE) – 31pts
2=. Qatar 96 – Al Thani (QAT)/Nicolini (ITA) – 31pts
4. Spirit of Norway 10 – Gjelsten (NOR)/Curtis (GB) – 16pts
5. Qatar 95 – Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) – 13pts
6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/ Montavoci (ITA) – 9pts
7=. SeveneleveN 18 – Polli (ITA)/Giorgi (ITA) – 7pt
7=. Spirit of Norway 20 – Barry-Cotter (AUS)/Nilsen (NOR) – 7pts
9. Negotiator 50 – Eker (NOR)/Parsonage (GB) – 4pts
10= Jotun 90 – Zaborowski (NOR)/Tandberg (NOR) - 0pts
10= VM Foresti & Suardi 2 – D Cirilli/K Olsen (NOR) – 0pts
(Championship points include bonus points allocated to teams for running engines for two consecutive races - one point, per engine, per race)

July 20, 2007

New Model: Baia 70 Italia

Presented as a project two years ago the Baia 70 Italia is the open evolution, without divisions. The patio saloon glass door completely disappears, joining the cockpit to the saloon and creating a single vast environment. When the door is closed, an integrated sliding door stands between the exterior and the interior. The large windows and roof that can be opened give the saloon light and an extraordinary feel of open space. A warm welcome is guaranteed with a mini bar, two comfortable sofas and a dining area. Undercover, light flows everywhere thanks to big rectangular sidelights perfectly integrated in the line of the hull. Surprisingly spacious is the master cabin boasting a wonderful panoramic view. The galley is fully fitted with 4 burners, 2 sinks and a full-sized fridge. The Italia 70 is a new sport yacht studied around comfort and freedom.
Technical Data:
LOA - 21.68 m (71.1 ft)
Beam - 5.65 m
Draft - 1.05 m
Displacement - 40 t
Fuel - 5500 l
Fresh water - 800 l
Engines - 2 x MTU 10V2000M93 1523hp, 1822hp, CAT C32ACERT 1825hp
Propulsion - Arneson surface drives
Project - Galeazzi

July 19, 2007

Class 1 - Arendal Norway Preview

The street circuit of powerboat racing, that is Arendal's Norway race which will take place this weekend. Over 200,000 people will gather in the fjords surrounding the race track hoping for a Norwegian win in what is the 10Th Anniversary for the town as a Class 1 venue.
Local's Jotun or Spirit of Norway will be the home favorites, but I am sure that UAE Dubai team Victory will have other ideas for the result of this race. The Victory team has a very successful record in Arendal, with former world champion Saeed Al Tayer taking 5 wins out of the 9 races held so far. This year started in a superb manner for the United Arab Emirates teams with Victory taking 1st and 2nd in Athens and the Qatar team taking 3rd and 4th.
The competition between locals Spirit of Norway and Victory Athens winner has already started off the course. The yellow card to the Dubai team over a squeeze start to the damage of the Norwegian team in the Athens race is pushing for further rules enforcement.
This weekend Grand Prix will take matters at it's place in the race course for the real competition.

July 16, 2007

New Model: Menorquin MY 145

Menorquin Yachts extends its range to include the new model MY 145, which fills the gap between the MY 120 and the MY 160. The MY 145 has been designed by renowned Italian Designer Tommaso Spadolin to have its own new personality and distinguished character whilst retaining all the range’s classic values and attributes for safety and family orientated product. The MY 145 incorporates new technologies that position it at the forefront of the nautical industry, the hull and deck are manufactured by a process of infusion which enables a very precise quality lamination of fibreglass and resin, the result is completely uniform without air bubbles and extremely robust. It is also designed to incorporate safety features with category A or Oceanic certification which is exceptional for a 14 metre size cruiser.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.99 m (45.8ft)
Beam - 4.45 m
Displacement - 16.5 tons
Fuel capacity - 1.695 l
Water capacity - 665 l
Berths - 6
Engines - 2 x 310hp max
Certification - CE A

July 13, 2007

Project: Marquis 420 SC

The Marquis 420 SC is the next model for the US marque with a design by Italian naval architects Nuvolari-Lenard. Head turning modern lines are the theme for the new model by the US builder and will feature a wide variety of color selection and a sport hard top with optional power sun roof. Interior accommodation is a 2 cabin spacious stateroom offer. Hull design is around Volvo's innovative new IPS and a 40 knots plus performance is estimated.

July 12, 2007

New Model: Carnevali 68

New model for the Carnevali Custom series the 68, is a 20 metre luxury motor yacht boosting performance and superior interior accommodation. The new Carnevali 68 is a natural evolution for the 65, and like the model it replaced is a custom construction where the client can personalize the yacht to his taste and purposes. Hand made construction but always in evolution to future market trends as is tradition for the Italian Adriatic sea yacht builder. In the external design the new 68 has been modified to the previous 65 footer, with the hull lines now more of a stream line design thanks to new large panoramic tinted side windows, adding light, privacy and superb views from the main cabins. The internal accommodation features 4 spacious cabins all with private en-suite. Crew cabin is situated aft. Studied to answer all queries, with the best in comfort, performance and personalization that a real custom needs to offer, the 68 promises to satisfy all owners request to what regards personalization with a variety of options offered. Innovation and style are the visiting ticket for the new Carnevali yacht, which produced a spacious yacht with superior seakeeping qualities and superb functionality.
Technical Data:
Length - 20 m (65.6 ft)
Beam - 5.4 m
Draft - 1.05 m
Displacement - 38,000 kg
Fuel - 4000 l
Water - 1000 l
Accommodation - 4 cabins, 8 + 1 berths, 1 crew cabin
Engines - 2 x 1015 HP Caterpillar
Speed - max 29 knots cruise 24 knotsft
Hull - variable vee with 15 degrees ad
Design - Max Design
Certification - CE A

July 11, 2007

Project: ISA Yachts 600 WF

ISA is proud to announce the sale of the brand new ISA 600, a twin screw displacement motoryacht 60,50 meters long with a beam of 12 meters, which will the largest ever built by the ISA shipyard in Ancona. With its steel hull and aluminium superstructure, the new ISA 600 is build up on 5 decks. Power is provided by 2 Caterpillar 3512 C DITA-SCAC diesel engines, which give a maximum speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots. The accommodation features the master cabin on the main deck and will include 4 cabins, 2 doubles and 2 twins, on the lower deck, one double cabin on the main deck and a VIP cabin on the upper deck. The new 60 meter Super Yacht stands out for its perfect harmony between stretched lines and extremely spacious and comfortable internal areas. The concept design is by Walter Franchini, while the project’s executive development is by ISA and Andrea Vallicelli. The new ISA 600 is scheduled for delivery in the Summer 2010.