October 31, 2007

Monthly News - October 2007

- pic of the month - Baia 70 Italia Best in Show 2007 Genoa

Aicon reports revenue increase

The Board of Directors of Aicon, an Italian Group based in Messina active in the designing, building and selling of luxury motoryachts and megayachts, has approved the quarterly financial statements as of August 31, 2007. Consolidated net revenues for the fourth quarter of FY 2006/2007 amounted to €34.4 million, which is an increase of 56.4% compared to approximately 22.0 million in the fourth quarter of FY 2005/2006. The improvement, in line with budgeted results, is attributable to the entry into full operation of the production of models already introduced on the market, as well as to the valorization of work in progress related to boats introduced on the market during the current financial year, such as Aicon 75 Fly, or to be introduced on the market in the coming months, such as 82 Open and 110 Navetta. The net result was approximately 4.1 million, equal to 11.8% of revenues.

Aicon Presents Four year business plan

Aicon Group, an Italian Group based in Messina active in the designing, building and selling of luxury motoryachts and megayachts, today presented the group’s four-year business plan to stakeholders. The market forecasts for the four-year period 2007/2008 – 2010/2011 point to strong growth in the luxury yacht segment, driven above all by the major producers whose growth is ahead of the market average. The sector is highly fragmented and the industry is currently undergoing a process of concentration. In this scenario, Aicon aims to consolidate its position in both domestic and international markets, with the goal of becoming a leading global player in the industry within the next four years. The business plan envisages significant investment in order to extend the range of vessels under the Aicon and Morgan brands, in addition to launching two new projects with new brands for the production of “High Performance Yachts” and “Long Range Maxi Yachts”, offering customers an innovative yachting experience. In the four years covered by the plan the Aicon group expects to launch a total of 22 new models and to expand its production areas from the existing 120,000 to 300,000 square meters, including 140,000 square meters indoor area. Taking into account outsourced activities, the workforce is due to increase from approximately 1,250 in the current financial year to around 3,000 in the last year of the plan. The Aicon group’s margins are among the highest in the luxury market sector at international level. The return on average capital employed at the end of the plan is expected to be approximately 49%. Investment over the period as a whole is forecast to total around €198 million. The group expects to make limited recourse to financial leverage and therefore forecasts net debt of approximately €28 million at the end of the period covered by the plan, amounting to 17.5%. Investment will focus on increasing production capacity and boosting R&D, after-sales services and international marketing, with the opening of three branch offices in London, New York and Shanghai.


Azimut Yachts presents 24/7 Assistance at Sea and Extented Warranty Package

Azimut officially presents an extended warranty package and a round-the-clock assistance service valid anywhere in the world which the world leader in luxury yachting will now be offering its customers. First not just in luxury yacht production but also in after-sales service. When purchasing an Azimut yacht it is now possible to benefit from a warranty extension for a total of three years from the purchase. A service that only Azimut Yachts offers on the world yachting market that includes the possibility of having two additional service visits at authorized dealers anywhere in the world in the second and third year after delivery of the boat. In detail, these are two complete service visits, made up of 100 checks each in addition to renewal of the antifouling paint and the zinc anodes, that are added to the two service visits foreseen for the first year. Offering a warranty extended to three years points up the excellent quality of Azimut yachts, the result of the great attention to technical and production processes, to the selection of component suppliers and to the close collaboration right from the design phase with the best operators on the market. This “Master Peace package” includes the possibility of activating a 24/7 assistance service everywhere in the world, called Skippermate Assistance, a policy designed by 24 assistance that includes five-star services for Azimut Yachts owners in case of necessity: sending replacement parts and tracking down specialized technical personnel, an online interpreter, a replacement car of a superior category, hotel accommodation, information on medical and bureaucratic issues, storage expenses, return home or continuation of the journey, and even a courtesy captain in case of emergency


Azimut-Benetti Group with Sant-Anna of Pisa Superior School

The Azimut-Benetti Group signed an agreement for the year 2007-2008 with Research and Development centre and the Superior School Sant'Anna of Pisa, for excellence in the research and formation of the scientific and social sector. The collaboration between the two parties has been going on for 2 years and had 3 types of activities: industrial research supplied by the R&D, research on advanced technology and the eventful development in the nautical field and last formation intervention. The area of research in the last 2 years included the following: Fuzzy Logic a system to control the asset of the yacht in navigation and during mooring manures, Shape Memory Alloy to use for fire fighting systems using the shape and characteristics of the materials, Magnetereologic Electrologic Fluid for vibration reduction by engine and generators and Nano Structural Materials of which applications includes coating systems to reduce drag and reduce biofouling. The collaboration between Azimut’s R&D and Sant Anna school concentrate in the study for the application of new technologies which will then be put in a prototype laboratory yacht realized for the experiment in hand. The objective for the year 2007/08 is to continue with this course of the growing R&D department. Azimut-Benetti R&D will also use the Sant Anna School for the definition of a formation program to insert new researchers in new projects at the function of the new yachts.


Gruppo Baglietto is Founded

“Gruppo Baglietto” is the industrial shipbuilding centre for pleasure crafts of Camuzzi Spa, the multinational company founded in Milan in 1929. The nautical centre was established in 2004 through the acquisition by Camuzzi of the Baglietto shipyard (a long-established yachting company with operative headquarters in Varazze and La Spezia) and the Pisa shipyard in 2005. Camuzzi’s acquisition is significant for the industry, as witnessed by the strong relaunch of the two long-established and internationally renowned Italian shipbuilding brands. The decision to use the Baglietto name (Gruppo Baglietto) for the Camuzzi centre was taken to capitalize on the enormous reputation that the brand has built up over the course of its 150 years in business. Today the mission of the group is to optimize the two portfolio brands and develop them as leading players on the global market with the help of a vision that has long been supported by the values of Italian style. The two brands will however continue to clearly maintain their distinctive identities and their specific qualities. For the Baglietto brand this means technology, performance, sporty design and custom-made production, whilst the Pisa shipyards are known for their class, sophistication, quality, comfort and elegance. The “Gruppo Baglietto” also includes: the Gruppo Baglietto Montecarlo (specialized in chartering) and the Gruppo Baglietto Tunisia (that houses the two Tunisian production plants specializing in composite materials).


Baia win Best in Show 2007 in Genoa

Italia 70’, the latest model of Cantieri di Baia, obtained a big success within visitors and operators on the occasion of 47° Genoa International Boat Show. A lot of people visited our stand in order to know technological innovation that bring Italia 70’ to receive the award for “Best in Show 2007”. The award was assigned for the innovative design and the new technical solutions in development of the space between interior and exterior, projected by engineer Alberto Ascenzi and architect Carlo Galeazzi and built by “Cantieri di Baia”. All our models presented in Genoa received big attention too. In particular our restyles: One 43’ with total carbon rigid top and aft hydraulic gangway .Aqva 54’ and Flash 48’ presented with new essences in grey oak and solid wood in wengè, parquet in wengè with leather marquetry. Last but not least the metal livery and sofa covering in Sunbrella.


Burger Elects Ron Cleveringa as Vice President Sales and Marketing

Burger Boat Company announced today the appointment of Ron Cleveringa to the newly created position of Vice President Sales and Marketing. Joining Burger Boat Company in April 2000, as a Naval Architect, Ron was promoted to the Project Engineering Team in January 2007. Ron received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1984. He also completed a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Grand Valley State University in 1994. Having been actively engaged in the marine industry since graduating from the University of Michigan, Ron had been employed by other yacht building companies in the United States and internationally, before joining Burger more than seven years ago. A family man, Ron and his wife June have five children ranging in ages from 15 to 24. He will continue to reside and office in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Reporting directly to Jim Ruffolo, President of Burger Boat Company, Ron will begin in his new position immediately.


Canados Wins World Yacht Trophies Award

Thanks to the original design of its interiors, the Canados 110’ Mikimar, the largest yacht of the fly-bridge range of the yard, has outclassed its competitors, winning the sought after “World Yachts Trophies Award” as best yacht over 24 meters in the Interior Design category. The ceremony took place on the occasion of the usual gala evening organized by LuxMedia Group during the Festival de la Plaisance. The Canados Mikimar outperformed the numerous yachts in the competition, thanks to the sophisticated and harmonious design of its interiors, a project in collaboration with Salvagni Architetti of Rome, which is characterized by flexibility, continuity, and the skilful use of lighting.


Couach Creates Yacht Liner Company

As part of its service activity development, COUACH has decided to become involved in the transatlantic transport of yachts of all sizes, through the creation of the Yacht Liner Company. This new activity will be guaranteed by a special transporter, which will embark on its first trip from Europe to Fort Lauderdale at the beginning of January 2008.


Ferretti Group 2006/007 Results

With 50 yachts on show, of which 28 in the sea and 22 on land, Ferretti Group stands out as the undisputed world leader of the luxury yacht segment at the Genoa Boat Show. The Group stand is the largest and most impressive exhibiting space both at the entire show and in the Group’s history. A total surface area of over 7,000 square metres (4,000 m² on land and approx. 3,000 m² in the sea) hosts 50 yachts, of which 6 world previews and 8 Italian previews. A staff of almost 500 is on hand to attend to an estimated total of several tens of thousands of visitors, making it the perfect backdrop for Ferretti Group to announce its outstanding results for the nautical year running from 1st September 2006 to 31st August 2007. The Group’s Production Value reached 933 million Euros, marking a +21% rise compared with the 770 million registered last year. The Orders placed in 2006-2007 reached 1 billion Euros, and the Order Portfolio rose to cover approximately 70% of annual production. The EBITDA was approximately 158 million Euros, a rise of approximately +34% on last year’s 118 million. This brings the overall profit of Ferretti Group to over 17% on production value, up almost 1.5 percentage points on last year. The number of employees rose significantly too, from 2,700 in 2005-2006 to over 3,000 in 2006-2007, an increase of +11% year on year. Ferretti Group also continued its drive for innovation, with investments of over 50 million Euros made last season in technological innovation, new product development and increasing production capacity. Ferretti Group plans to launch over 50 new models over the next 3 years. The first few months of the 2007-2008 nautical year have made an excellent start, too, and will be able to count on the contribution of the 6 international previews presented by the 9 brands during the Genoa Boat Show. As far as export is concerned, Ferretti Group continues to implement the internationalisation strategy set up a few years ago. The incidence of the foreign sales of the Italian brands rose by almost 10 points, touching on 70% in 2006-2007, to which the foreign sales of the Group abroad are added. This increase is mainly due to greater sales on the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe markets, and to sales in Central America, Latin America and the Far East.

Alessandro Martorana Dresses Ferretti Yachts

Two great "Made in Italy" names expressing the highest standards of craft skills meet to create an unusual union between the worlds of high-quality tailoring and luxury yachting. The Alessandro Martorana studio has in fact made 150 men's and women's outfits, all tailor-made, to clothe top management and the whole Ferretti Yachts team in an unmistakeably refined, elegant style. Craft production of the new Ferretti "bird's eye" blue uniform involves 100% hand tailored bespoke methods, or made to measure techniques using sophisticated machinery. Both employ fabrics that are entirely woven, never sized, with an internal structure composed of five different layers, reflecting the very best Italian tailoring traditions. Individually cut out of high quality fabric selected from the most exclusive Vitale Barberis Canonico materials, the outfits feature sophisticated details typical of the most prestigious made to measure garments, like hand finished collars, lapels, hems, sleeves and pockets. The shirts embody the same design and tailoring skills. Made of the best Italian Canclini blue striped poplin, they feature a wealth of prestigious details - mother of pearl buttons, double hand sewing and a large number of stitches per centimetre. The hems on both sides are finished with a satin insert with the "Alessandro Martorana" logo and a label with the name of the seamstress and the date of production.

Ferretti Yachts website wins E-Content Award Italy 2007

The Ferretti Yachts website was awarded for the "Ebusiness" category at the annual edition of the "E-Content Award 2007", a project organized by the "Fondazione Politecnico di Milano", the European Commission MEDICI Framework with the patronage of the highest Italian institutions (Presidency of the Republic, Presidency of the Prime Minister Cabinet). Ferretti Yachts brought the nautical sector to the excellence of Italian websites that, receiving the Econtent Award, stand out for creativity, innovation and usability. As matter of fact, the www.ferretti-yachts.com website resulted as the best of its segment. A panel of experts assessed the websites that were selected for the contest on the basis of several criteria: global quality and content comprehensiveness, interactivity, design, quality of the process leading to the carrying out of the product, multilingual contents, economic sustainability of the project. The Ferretti Yachts website - produced by Studio Pleiadi agency that holds a long-lasting collaboration with the shipyard for the development of the web platform - was awarded for creating an innovative web experience telling the Ferretti world by uniting products, events, services and information. The website generates a privileged meeting point where it is possible to merge the love for the sea to passion, style and the most sophisticated technology. The website, wholly developed in Macromedia Flash, allows a detailed presentation for each yacht by extracting data and images from a functional database in order to unite browsing ease and contents richness.


InRizzardi Group 2006 Sales Results 

In 2006 sales for the InRizzardi Group, and its four brands: Rizzardi, Posillipo, Italcraft and Diano, was of 78 million Euros with a growing trend of 12% from the biannual of 2004/2005 and 25% from 2005/2006. For 2007 the forecast is for 95 million Euros and for 2008 the challenge is for 110 million Euros. In occasion of the 47th Genoa Boat Show Inrizzardi presented 3 new brands into its portfolio: Santa Yachts for the building of displacement style motor yachts from 25 up to 50 mts in length with construction in alloy and steel and building operations located in La Spezia, Parisi constructor of traditional Gozzo Boats up to 50 feet in length and last but not least the famous Bat inflatable boats. The sales network of the group has also been expanded in the following new markets in the last year with Russia, China and Venezuela adding to the already existent networks of Spain, France, East Europe and USA. The Group is also concluding dealings with other interesting countries with a growing economic trend like Mexico, Argentina and Costa Rica.


Itama Communications Strategy

Itama opens the nautical year with an exciting new communications strategy that has been both developed and restyled. This packed and carefully structured plan includes a series of important innovations for a brand that has always been an international benchmark for Italian style in the open yacht sector. Perfected together with the integrated communications agency AdmCom, this highly organised process of creative exploration and design has led to a number of decisive developments regarding, first and foremost, the Itama coordinated image. This has involved elegantly restyling the visual components, using the classic company colours, but emphasizing the white over the blue. This change continues the company’s insistence on the typically Itama qualities of elegance, sobriety and design purity, combined with a greater emphasis on the character of a product that offers a yachting experience that is direct, airy and highly intense.The leitmotiv in this new advertising campaign focuses on the universe of the senses and is based on the characteristic element of Itama’s history, philosophy and added values, i.e. its status as the perfect open yacht. “The more you feel, the more you live”, this is the claim that encapsulates the importance of the perceptions sought by those in search of an immediate, filter-free relationship with the sea, the waves, the sun and the wind.


Rodman Wins World Yacht Trophies Development Award

Spanish builder Rodman received in Cannes during the World Yacht Trophies 2007 an amazing recognition for the job they did in its new, spectacular range Rodman Muse. The Vigo based shipyard won one of two special awards granted by the Jury, the Development Award to the best project for its Rodman Muse range. The World Yacht Trophies reward the best 136 boats of over 50 feet long and manufactured between 30 July 2006 and 30 July 2007, 40 of which were selected as the best ones of the year after meticulous work of an international Jury. Three awards are granted in each of the twenty existing categories; yachts up to and over 24 metres, Open and Fly, in the fields Best Design, Best Innovation, Best Interior Design, and Funtionality, and Custom Yachts up to and over 40 metres, in the fields Best Design and Innovation. Additionally, the Jury grants two special prizes: one to Business Success and another one to the Best Development Project. In an unprecedented event for the boat industry in Spain, Rodman collected four prestigious awards, being the most special one that granted to the Best Development Project in recognition to the great work carried out on its new Rodman Muse range, which in the opinion of the Jury helped Rodman to introduce the Spanish brand into the highest international level of production of the most exclusive yachts. The jury also valued the successful development of the Rodman Muse range, already materialised in its first two models: Rodman Muse 54, which sold the whole 2007 production at launch in Barcelona, and the recently launched Rodman Muse 74. It also acknowledges the huge impact and image that such a young brand as Rodman Muse is acquiring in a highly competitive international context. Andrés Cárdenas, Rodman’s CEO, received the award from Michel Karsenti, and thanked all the human team in Rodman who, headed by President Manuel Rodríguez and Rodman Muse’s designer, Fulvio De Simoni, has devoted great efforts, full dedication and enthusiasm to this project, which is undoubtedly encouraging Rodman’s international recognition and prestige, helping the company to reach its goal of becoming a world-class brand. Crowning this success, the Rodman Muse 54 was chosen as a finalist in 3 out of the 4 categories in which it was nominated by the Jury: Best Design, Best Innovation and Best Interior Design. The Rodman Muse 54 was the most award-winning boat in this edition of the World Yacht Trophies 2007.

October 30, 2007

Projects: Princess 50, Princess V 85, Princess 85 MY

The new Princess 50, third generation for this successful motor yacht is a further example of design ingenuity, maximising the available space and giving the impression of a much larger vessel. A full width stateroom offers the owner a level of spaciousness and comfort never previously enjoyed on a yacht of this size while expansive windows allow natural light to fill the saloon and dining area providing a perfect environment to relax or entertain. Below, the full width owners stateroom with en-suite bathroom makes maximum use of the available space and its vertical portlights give the cabin a light and airy feel. Furthermore the forward stateroom, again with en-suite bathroom, along with a generous twin berth cabin provides comfortable accommodation for up to 6 people. There is also the option to add a single berth aft cabin for crew or occasional guests. The Princess 50's flybridge with wetbar, wide side decks, teak laid cockpit and bathing platform with stowage for tender or wetbike, make living onboard a pleasure and long range cruising is made effortless by the deep V hull design resulting in unparalleled sea keeping and performance.
The Princess V85 stunning good looks disguise a very practical and spacious interior layout, as well as a number of new design features. Princess V Class sports yachts are renowned for high performance and the V85 is no exception, with a deep V hull and a choice of the latest diesel engines giving speeds close to 40 knots. Distinctively for a sports yacht, the new V85 will incorporate a sport flying bridge with full repeat controls and a large seating area with refrigerated cool box. The spacious cockpit features a seating/dining area for eight and as well as a bar area. The forward area of the large saloon incorporates a sliding roof which opens over the control position and the dining area. A sliding door to starboard gives access to the side deck. With a full beam owner's cabin and three additional guest cabins, all en-suite, the lower accommodation provides comfortable and luxurious accommodation for eight. The V85 also features a large galley which has the option of being fully enclosed or open plan. There are two crew cabins together with a galley and mess area accessible from the starboard side deck. Each cabin can be fitted with one or two berths giving provision for a maximum of four crew. The new Princess 85 Motor Yacht will offer high performance with truly spacious accommodation on all decks. Sharing the advanced deep V hull with the new V 85 it provides high speeds with superb seakeeping. Conventional drive shafts in propeller tunnels ensure straightforward handling at all speeds as well as fuel-efficient long range high speed cruising capability. The generous beam of the hull is very apparent throughout the saloon and accommodation areas as well as on the flybridge which boasts a vast amount of space with ample seating and dining areas. Also located here is a separate bar and barbecue, a sunbed aft, storage space for a tender or wet bike and the option of a hot tub spa. The cockpit provides a superb space for alfresco dining and the triple sliding doors open to combine the cockpit and saloon into one large entertaining area as required. Below deck there is a beautifully appointed, full beam owner's stateroom along with a luxurious VIP stateroom which shares many of the same features. A choice of layouts allows either two twin en-suite guest cabins or a third stateroom with a further twin berth cabin.

October 29, 2007

New Model: Intermare 50

Intermare 50 is the new flagship motor yacht from this Tuscanian company, builder of high quality detail motor yachts. Intermare flagship model offers a new generation flybridge motor yacht, dedicated to a young and sporty clientele and what is refereed to by Intermare as an open fly yacht. Open for exterior spaces, cockpit function and design. Fly for upper bridge, second helm station and interior comfort. The design for the new Intermare 50 is a low flybridge design with a low superstructure in order to give the navigation performance of an open boat but without giving up the comforts of a flybridge boat. Interior accommodation is for a 3 cabin 2 head interior and a crew cabin is available aft. The master cabin is a very spacious full beam space with an en-suite shower head and full view large side windows.
Tehcnical Data:
LOA - 15.60 m (51.1ft)
Beam - 4.50 m
Displacement - 21 t
Water Capacity - 600 l
Fuel Capacity - 1800 l
Engines - 2 x Volvo D9 575hp

October 28, 2007

Class 1 - Spirit of Norway win in Egypt

Spirit of Norway 20 produced it second impressive performance of the weekend to win the Egyptian Grand Prix and keep their world title hopes alive, with Qatar 96, second and the championship leader’s, Victory 77 in third. With the course shortened to 57.59Nm due to the extreme conditions, Spirit of Norway took full advantage of starting from pole position, hitting the front from the green flag and gradually building an impressive lead over their main rivals in the championship race, Qatar 96 and Victory77, and going on to take the chequered flag and win by 30 seconds. Qatar 96 produced another strong showing after qualifying second fastest on Friday, and second place achieved their main target of reducing the gap to the championship leader’s. Third place for Victory 77 was a gutsy performance, after throttleman Sanchez suffered a severe nose bleed at the start of the race and struggled throughout. After producing their best showing in qualifying, Negotiator brings home a fourth place, ahead of an excellent result for Giampaolo Montavoci, who switched into his second boat after crashing in qualifying, to partner Kolbjorn Selmer. Jotun 90 completed the top six, but will be disappointed with the result after running strongly in fourth and pushing Victory 77 for most the race, before technical problems dropped them down the field. There was also disappointment also for Qatar 95, who after starting from sixth position, moved up to fourth and was closing in on third place when a broken supercharger belt ended their race. After running in fifth place, Spirit of Norway 20’s race ended when a water hose broke with SeveneleveN and Victory 7 also failing to finish due to technical problems. The teams now head to Doha in two weeks time for the Qatar Grand Prix, and with 24 points separating the top three, the title race looks set to go down to the final two races in Dubai.
EGYPTIAN GRAND PRIX - RESULT
1. Spirit of Norway 10 – B Gjelsten (NOR)/S Curtis (GB)
2. Qatar 96 – H Al Thani (QAT)/M Nicolini (ITA) + 00.30,45
3. Victory 77 – A Al Zafeen(UAE)/JM Sanchez (FR) + 00.41,67
4. Negotiator 50 – B Eker (NOR)/C Parsonage (GB) + 1 lap
5. Foresti & Suardi 8 – K Selmer (NOR)/G Montavoci (ITA) + 2 laps
6. Jotun 90 – C Zaborowski (NOR)/J Tandberg (NOR) + 3 laps
Spirit of Norway 20 – T Barry-Cotter (AUS)/P Nilsen (NOR) dnf
Qatar 95 – A Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) dnf
SeveneleveN 18 – G Manuzzi (ITA)/N Giorgi (ITA) dnf
Victory 7 – T Al Sayed (UAE)/N B Hendi (UAE) – dnf
Fainplast 2 – M Pennesi (ITA)/M Esperto (ITA) – dns
WPPA CLASS 1 WORLD POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP – after round 5 of 8
1. Victory 77 – A Al Zafeen(UAE)/JM Sanchez (FR) – 93pts
2. Qatar 96 – H Al Thani (QAT)/M Nicolini (ITA) – 75pts
3. Spirit of Norway 10 – B Gjelsten (NOR)/S Curtis (GB) – 69pts
4. Victory 7 – T Al Sayed (UAE)/N B Hendi (UAE) – 44pts
5. Qatar 95 – A Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) – 36pts
6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/G Montavoci (ITA) – 33pts
7. Negotiator 50 – B Eker (NOR)/C Parsonage (GB) – 23pts
8. Spirit of Norway 20 – T Barry-Cotter (AUS)/P Nilsen (NOR) – 20pts
9. SeveneleveN 18 – T Polli (ITA)/N Giorgi (ITA) – 14pts
10. Jotun 90 – C Zaborowski (NOR)/J Tandberg (NOR) - 12pts
11. Fainplast 2 – K Selmer (NOR)/M Esperto (ITA) – 5pts

October 27, 2007

New Model: Codecasa 43.mt construction F.68

This prestigious Italian owned yacht builder continues to build and offer to the market one-off super yachts off high quality and prestigious image, aimed at the owner searching for an Italian design but with high end seakeeping in mind. The Codecasa line of semi displacement continues to expand it's fleet on the world seas and this new 43 mt hull number F 68 is one of it's recent launches for this year. The accommodation for the new 43 metres boasts a 5 stateroom interior with a separate upper deck owner suite. Crew quarters has 5 cabins giving 8 total berths. Top speed is 17 knots at light load and cruising speed is 13 knots which gives a 3000 nautical mile range.
Technical Data:
LOA - 43.00 m (141ft)
Beam - 9.00 m
Draft - 2.50 m
Displacement - 390 t (full load)
Fuel Capacity - 60.000 l
Water Capacity - 10.000 l
Accommodation - owner’s suite, 2 double bed cabins, 2 twin bed cabins (with 1 extra bed)
Crew Accommodation - 1 captain’s cabin, 1 chief engineer’s cabin, 3 twin bed cabins
Engines - 2 Caterpillar 3512B 1950hp
Propellers - 2 props fixed blades “S” Class
Speed - 17 knots max (light), 13 knots cruising
Range - 3000 nm @ 13 knots
Construction - high tensile steel AH 36 Hull, aluminium 5083 H111/H321 Superstructure
Class - Lloyd’s Register of Shipping Maltese Cross 100 A1 SSC “Yacht” Mono G6 Maltese Cross

October 26, 2007

Project: Hatteras 56 Motor Yacht

Hatteras Yachts is pleased to announce the newest member of its fleet, the 56 Motor Yacht incorporating original design concepts, spacious interior and intuitive features that make this an ideal boat for the owner-operator. The new 56 Motor Yacht represents a new entry-level product for owners who appreciate the advanced design and robust construction that sets Hatteras apart. Like all Hatteras models, the 56 Motor Yacht features a solid-fiberglass hull bottom that includes beefy support for key areas such as the tunnels, shaft log and strut locations. Divinycell coring is infused into the hull sides, decks and superstructure to add stiffness and reduce weight, benefiting from advanced variable-deadrise design that utilizes large propeller tunnels to reduce draft and increase efficiency. Powered by a pair of 705hp Cummins QSM11s as standard equipment, installed in a V-drive configuration with the gearbox forward. This positions the engine room as far aft as possible and allows for more living space below. Combined with an 18 feet beam, this configuration gives the 56 MY as much interior volume as many yachts in the mid-60-foot range. Powered by its standard engines, the 56 Motor Yacht is expected to achieve a cruising speed of 18 knots and top end of 21 knots, providing a usable range of approximately 300 nautical miles. Optional 1000hp CAT C18s will push the 56 to a cruise of 26 knots and a top end of 29 knots. The 56MY features a three-stateroom, two-head arrangement that includes a 130-square-foot full-beam master stateroom amidships, a VIP stateroom forward, and guest bunks to port. An optional arrangement provides for a private crew quarters with discreet access, in lieu of the third guest stateroom.

October 25, 2007

Class 1 - Porto Marina Egypt Preview

Qatar 96 in Romania, second on the charts chase Victory 77 for 2007 title
The Class 1 fleet returns to competitive action this last October weekend, and will line up on the aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean, as Porto Marina, one of the most fashionable resorts in the Middle East, hosts the Egyptian Grand Prix, round five of the WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship and the first round of the WPPA Class 1 Middle East Championship.
The Egyptian Grand Prix is the start of an intensive period of racing for the teams, with four races in the Middle East in six weeks. And with 80 points on offer (excluding bonus points), the world title is still very much up for grabs, but the chasing pack must start taking points away from the championship leaders if they are to stay in the title race, and they must start doing it in Porto Marina.
The first half of the season has been dominated by the Middle East teams, who have kept their European rivals off the podium at all but one race, with Victory 77’ blazing a trail of supremacy and consistency, taking three wins out of four and a second place to clinch the European Championship and give themselves a healthy, but not unassailable 19 point lead in the overall title race. If they can maintain their imperious form, the title is enticingly within sight. Whilst the teammates in Victory 7, are currently lying in fourth place, and in a strong position to play a key supporting role if Victory are to regain the world crown. Qatar 96, with four podium finishes so far lead the chase, and is the only outfit who can grab the title without relying on Victory 77 to break or falter, assuming that is, that they win the next four races, a Herculean task. But Qatar 96 have the reliability and if they can find some extra pace, can pile pressure on the leaders. For the defending World Champions Spirit of Norway 10, the title appears to be slipping from their grasp. A frustrating season so far and with technical hitches restricting them to just one win, sees them 30 points off the lead. But Spirit of Norway has proved to be the fastest boat out there, but will have to hope the leaders break or drop considerable points and that they return to winning ways, if they are to successfully defend their title. Qatar 95, are the pick of the teams running V8 power-plants, and after a season of ongoing development with the Mercury and a podium last time out, appear to have hit form at a crucial time and look likely to be podium challengers from here on in. Spirit of Norway 20, the youngster of the Norwegian team also with the Mercury, will be looking to build on a solid first season together and try to find some extra pace to move them into a top six ranking. For Negotiator, bedding in Sterling V8s and Jotun, running the Mercury, a lack of reliability and some misfortune has dogged their seasons. But both teams can start to turn their fortunes around by realising their obvious pace and potential and produce strong showings in Porto Marina with a focus on grabbing some silverware in the Middle East Championship. SeveneleveN will be hoping to start the second half of the season, as they started the season, with a top six finish in Porto Marina, but with Tomaso Polli unavailable to race, Nicola Giorgi will be joined in the cockpit by Class 1 newcomer and fellow Italian, Giorgio Manuzzi. Veneta Marina-Duemme Brokers’s season has been dominated by driver changes, but Foresti & Suardi will be looking to improve on the solid performances that sees them lying in a very credible sixth place. Boat number 2, carrying the colours of new sponsor Fainplast, formerly VM Foresti & Suardi.
The race weekend starts officially on Friday 26 with the EDOX pole position, with a final practice session and the teams lining up for the 21 lap, 97.36Nm Egyptian Grand Prix in Porto Marina on Saturday, 27 October.

October 24, 2007

New Model: AB Yachts 140

The new AB Yachts 140 is the biggest yacht ever produced by the Viareggio builder and continues the call for Jet Power only produced Sport Yachts. This relatively young builder founded in 1992 started as water jet powered craft specialist and this pays up in hulls which are designed and built around this propulsion showing up unbeatable handling and seakeeping characteristics. The water jet power and high performance hull is the only untouchable issue when choosing an AB Yachts, the rest is for the owner to decide. The 140, new flagship for AB Yachts offers what the smaller high performance models do and more! When one thinks of 40 plus metres 130 plus Tons with a top speed of 53 knots thanks to the big triple water jet MTU power engine option it has a WOW factor to it. Interior space in hull one is a four cabin offer with a spectacular ultra spacious mid-ship full beam owners cabin. A separate crew area with galley and 6 berths and 3 shower head is located forward.
Technical Data:
LOA - 41.60 m (136.4ft)
Beam - 8.00 m
Draft - 1.30 m
Weight - 130 t (empty)
Fuel Capacity - 19.000 l
Water Capacity - 3.000 l
Max People - 20
Engines - 3 x MTU 16v2000 M93 CR 2400hp, MTU 16v4000 3700hp
Propulsion - three by MJP650 waterjets
Speed - 53 knots max, 46 knots cruising (3 x MTU 3700hp option)

October 22, 2007

New Model: Rodman 74 Muse

Biggest Motor Yacht build by Rodman, the new Muse 74 continues the challenge for the Spanish builder to offer modern med style motor yachts, designed by World renowned Italian naval architect Fulvio De Simoni. The Italian designer continues the philosophy shown for the first Muse 54, offering a Motor Yacht with characteristics side windows and a sweeping flybridge design. Inside the new Rodman flagship offers a contemporary minimal design featuring light colored woods, with white and dark color contradictions. Accommodation layout for the 74 Muse offers four suite's with a spacious VIP cabin to fore. Crew accommodation is for two aft and one forward.
Technical Data:
LOA - 23.14 m (75.9ft)
Length - 22.90 m
Beam - 5.70 m
Weight - 45.5 t
Fuel Capacity - 5500 l
Water Capacity - 1225 l
Engines - 2 x Man 1360hp, 1550hp

October 20, 2007

New Model: Uniesse 65 MY

The new Uniesse 65 MY continues the philosophy from the North Italian builder of offering top quality sea keeping vessels, with underwater hull design by renowned American Fred Hudson. This new offer in the now famous MY range, standing for Motor Yacht with an Italian Mediterranean modern interpretation of a flybridge and clean no frills design. The interior continues the external philosophy offering accommodation in 4 spacious cabins with 3 heads including the very spacious full beam owners cabin. Worth noting also unlike most yachts this size, is the spacious 2 berth crew cabin located aft. Performance is a very good 32 knots top speed with not so big 1015hp engines and 31 tons of net weight.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.35 m (66.9ft)
Length - 19.52 m
Beam - 5.35 m
Draft - 1.54 m
Weight - 31.000 kg empty, 37.000 kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 4200 l
Water Capacity - 1200 l
Max Persons - 18
Engines - 2 x Cat 1015hp
Speed - 32 knots max
Catertification - CE A