August 29, 2008

New Model: Sunseeker 92 Predator Sport


PowerYacht is proud to show one of the first pictures for the much waited new Sunseeker 92 Predator Sport, announced as a project in the begining of this year. Set to launch officialy at the forthcoming Southampton International Boat show on September 12-21, 2008. The Predator 92 Sport will be the largest Sunseeker ever to be displayed on the brand's stand. Uniquely positioned within the Sunseeker range, the 92 Predator Sport features a sleek flybridge as standard which has been incorporated without breaking the series distinctive sleek powerful styling. The result is outstanding both in terms of design achievement and extending enjoyment for helm and guests. With a choice of drive systems and an exhilarating open-air help position, the new Predator Sport delivers a thrilling performance incorporating the very latest technology. The helm station below remains the nerve centre of operations and there are optional cabin arrangements on the lower deck including a central or offset-berth full-beam master stateroom with walk-in wardrobe. The galley is situated on the lower deck within the crew quarters, which has two separate sleeping cabins plus a comfortable mess-area, with the possibility to customise this area to include a laundry. The aft deck features the general range facilities of wetbar with refrigeration, ice maker and also ceramic griddle. The foredeck arrangement has been transformed and incorporates upholstered shaped seating with an occasional table for those who don’t want to take their under-way thrills lying down. Twin FP props in semi tunnels provide a top speed of up to 40 knots. Depending on engine option, cruising at 23 knots can deliver up to 450 nautical miles. A triple arneson engine option is available for those clients that require added performance. The 92 Predator Sport also features the latest on-board entertainment including 42” Flat Screen TVs in both the deck saloon, the master and VIP staterooms. The saloon area also features a DVD/CD/Radio surround system complete with connected ipod™ docking station, which is also linked to the aft cockpit. An independent audio system serves the aft cockpit. With teak decking, and granite or marble finish en suite bathrooms, the Predator 92 Sport provides the perfect combination of comfort, luxury and opulence with true power and performance.
Technical Data:
LOA - 28.15 m (92.4ft)
Length Waterline - 20.99 m
Beam - 6.34 m
Draft - 1.98 m
Displacement - 65800 kg half load
Fuel Capacity - 8500 l
Water Capacity - 1500 l
Engines - twin up to 4868hp total
Propulsion - twin shafts in semi tunnels, arneson surface drives
Speed - 36 knots max, 28 knots cruising
Range - 450 nautical miles

August 28, 2008

Project: Ferretti 470

At the next Genoa International Boat Show, Ferretti Yachts will present the worldwide premiere of the new 470, created to renew, reinterpret and replace the previous 460 model. This was launched in 2004 to great acclaim from clients and press, with almost 80 models now sailing the world’s seas. The new Ferretti 470 consolidates the yard’s intention to complete its new entry range with a model that fully reflects the innovative layout concept introduced by the 630 and 510 models, and penetrate an international target group of young, privileged owners. With the Ferretti 470 the yard aims to increase its market share in well-established nautical poles as Europe and America, but also attack the emerging Middle East and Asia Pacific markets, including China. A product of the highly successful collaboration between the Advanced Yacht Technology, the Ferretti Engineering Division and Studio Zuccon International Project, the 470 is an ideal blend of form and function. The combination of compact size 14.65 metres long, with a 4.34 metre beam, and intelligent optimisation of space creates an opportunity to enjoy the best of Italian-style luxury and experience sailing while surrounded by high levels of comfort associated by this top class builder. Ferretti 470 offers a range of features that makes it unique in its class, firstly the increased window area, providing a sweeping, uninterrupted view from stern to bows and allowing natural light to flood the entire living area. The location of the galley aft also optimises the use of interior space and enhances livability by opening the swinging window, in fact, it’s possible to create a single open space with a seamless transition between cockpit, galley and living area. For the accommodation, three cabins provide 6 generous berths for the guests and owner, with the forward master cabin featuring an unusual large bathroom for a flybridge of this size. The sun lounge on the flybridge, also offers plenty of room to enjoy sea and sun, where the absence of a roll bar lightens the yacht’s already sleek lines, giving it an elegant, sporty silhouette. The external look is characterised by the large window area providing 360 degree visibility and flooding the living area with light, accenting the warm colours of the gold teak and light upholstery, which combine to create a decor that reflects contemporary tastes. The Ferretti 470 will be powered by twin 600hp Cummins units providing outstanding performance, with a cruising speed of 28 knots and maximum of 31 knots.

August 27, 2008

Class 1 - Constanta Romania Preview

Qatar 96 and Jotun will spearhead the fight-back to overhaul Victory’s lead in the World title race as Class 1 heads to the Black Sea resort of Mamaia-Constanta where teams will resume rivalries in the Romanian Grand Prix on Sunday, 31 August, round five of the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship and the fourth and final round of the Class 1 European Championship. And barring all disasters, it is Dubai’s Victory Team who look set to lift the European title. Victory 1, which leads the World Championship by 18 points and carry a ten-point advantage in the European standings, will line up on Mamaia’s Lake Siutghiol for the 21-lap, 94.77Nm Romanian Grand Prix, as the clear favourites to lift a sixth European title for the team and the first silverware of the year after dominating the first half of the season, with Bin Hendi taking three wins from four starts, one with Arif Al Zafeen, out injured after round one, and two with Al Marri. The immediate challenge to Victory 1 are team-mates, Abdullah Al Mehairbi and defending World and European Champion, Jean-Marc Sanchez, who have taken three podiums this season, out-gunning their team-mates last time out. But Victory 7’s throttleman, Sanchez, winner in Romania last year, knows that if he is to retain his title, they have to finish ahead of Victory 1 with several boats between them and an 11-point advantage – a tall order. However, should either of the Victory outfits falter or hit trouble, several boats lie in wait with an outside tilt at the European crown. Jotun, who ended Victory’s winning streak with a sensational win in the BMW Norwegian Grand Prix, are the most improving team this season and now the leading European challenger to the might of the Middle East teams, look for a second consecutive win. For Qatar 96, also with three podiums to their credit, a second European title looks a distant prospect, but the English, Middle East pairing both know that to keep their World title aspirations alive, finishing ahead of both Victory outfits is the priority. Team-mates lying in fourth slot in the overall title race in Qatar 95, will switch engines for Romania and the remainder of the season, opting to run Sterling V8 power-plants. Foresti & Suardi’s Italian-Norwegian partnership head the battle for middle-order supremacy comfortably under-pinning their sixth place with consistency and reliability, finishing in the top six in all races so far this season. For Roscioli Hotels Roma, 2008 is seen as a year for developing new talent, with new charge, Sergio Carrasco, producing some solid performances in his first season, with the all-Spanish pairing taking points finishes from two of their three starts, missing out in Moscow after a harrowing moment when their steering broke, but looking for more points in Romania. SeveneleveN’s crew are also looking at this season as a development year, with a new boat and driver-throttleman combination and more recently a new engine package. And with new engines for the second half of the season, Giorgi is confident that they can repeat the kind of performance that earned them a top six finish in the season opener. After unveiling Class 1’s newest thoroughbred in Moscow, designed by Matteo Nicolini and built by Nicolini Offshore, Mohammed Al-Nassr and Luca Nicolini will give the boat only its third outing in Romania, looking for reliability to realise the promise and potential seen during multiple practice sessions and Pole Position outings.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 4 of 8
1. Victory 1 - M Al Marri (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) – 77pts
2. Victory 7 - A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / JM Sanchez (France) – 59pts
3. Qatar 96 - H Al-Thani (Qatar) / S Curtis (England) – 51pts
4. Qatar 95 - A Al-Sulaiti (Qatar) / M Nicolini (Italy) – 48pts
5. Jotun 90 – IB Aarbakke (Norway) / J Tandberg (Norway) – 42pts
6. Foresti & Suardi 8 - K Selmer (Norway) / G Montavoci (Italy) – 32pts
7. Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 - S Carrasco (Spain) / D Cirilli (Spain) – 12pts
8. SeveneleveN 18 - G Manuzzi (Italy) / N Giorgi (Italy) – 7pts
9= Negotiator 50 - B Eker (Norway) / C Parsonage (England) – 4pts
9= Qatar 9 - M Al-Nassr (Qatar) / L Nicolini (Italy) – 4pts
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 3 of 4
1. Victory 1 – 49pts
2. Victory 7 – 39pts
3. Jotun 90 – 34pts
4. Qatar 96 – 32pts
5. Qatar 95 – 31pts
6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – 19pts
7. Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 – 8pts
SeveneleveN 18 – 0pts
Qatar 9 – 0pts
EDOX POLE POSITION CHAMPIONSHIP – after round 4 of 8
1. Victory 1 – 55pts
2. Qatar 96 – 47pts
3. Jotun 90 – 36pts
4. Qatar 95 – 28pts
5. Victory 7 – 20pts
6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – 11pts
7. SeveneleveN 18 – 10pts
8. Negotiator 50 – 7pts
9= White 4 – 5pts
9= Qatar 9 – 5pts
11. Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 – 2pts

August 26, 2008

New Model: Atlantis 50x4

This is a very innovative new model from Atlantis, the Sport Cruiser and Sport Yacht brand of the Azimut Benetti Group, spanning from 31 to 55 feet. Announced as the 48 model during the last Genova Boat Show, the new Atlantis 50x4 was previewed during the Groups yachting gala, held in Viareggio on 28 June. The 50x4 presents itself with innovation and versatility, and available as the title says in 4 different versions, accommodating the various customers requests and needs, but apart this the new Atlantis has also other advantages not seen in a sport yacht of this size. Like the particularly spacious upper deck with a single level walkable surface in teak of over 12 sq. yards, the almost total UV infrared resistant full glass hard top, a record height under the hard top with a good 196cm of headroom over the helm and new IPS engines offering better performance with significantly reduced fuel consumption. The four different versions of the new Atlantis span from the inside available in two or three cabin versions, or the upper deck available with patio door or without in an open layout. The new 50x4 is powered by Volvo's IPS 600 engines, which in our estimate should give top speeds of over 30 knots and cruising in the higher 20s range. Now it's just to wait for the public to admire the new Sport Yacht from Atlantis, with official presentation in September during the Cannes show.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.27 m (50.1ft)
Hull Length - 14.22 m
Beam - 4.35 m
Fuel Capacity - 1100 l
Water Capacity - 420 l
Max People - 14
Accommodation - 4/6 in 2/3 cabins with 2 heads
Engines - 2 Volvo IPS600 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking duoprop pods
Designer - Carlo Galeazzi
Certification - CE B

August 25, 2008

New Model: Estensi 400 Goldstar S

Presented during the last Genova Boat Show, the Estensi 400 Goldstar S is the latest model to enter the traditional lobster styled cruiser line from this Italian builder. The new 400 Goldstar S is a traditional cruiser bringing elegance and dynamics to her well proportioned lines, taking some of its exterior looks from the very nice 540 Goldstar S model, flagship of the Estensi range. It extends the builders fame as a seaworthy cruiser, making it not only an exclusive and refined product but also a safe one. She is as her builders say a well done design exercise, reinterpreting lobster boat style with a nice Mediterranean living touch. Inside the new 400 Goldstar S offers 2 cabins with 2 heads, joined by a comfortable upper saloon area, offering the perfect layout for the right Mediterranean cruise. The latest 400 Goldstar model is powered by 2 x Iveco NEF 400 hp engines, giving speeds of 30 knots plus and a range of over 300 nautical miles.
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.90 m (41.3ft)
Length - 12.60 m
Waterline Length - 10.55 m
Beam - 4.00 m
Draft - 1.25 m
Weight - 10.000 kg empty, 13.400 kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 1.500 l
Water Capacity - 500 l
Max Persons - 10
Engines - 2 x Iveco NEF 400hp
Speed - 34 knots max with minimum load, 30 knots with load
Range - 369 nautical miles approx
Designer - Mario Zuccheri
Hull Shape - vee shape with 18 degrees aft
Certification - CE A

August 23, 2008

Project: Lazzara LSX 92

Nearly two years after the introduction of its highly successful LSX Seventy Five, Lazzara Yachts is announcing its plans for the completely redesigned follow up, the LSX Ninety Two, scheduled to launch Fall 2008. The award winning Lazzara product development team didn’t just want to build a bigger LSX 75, they wanted to reinvent it. The Lazzara design team added all new features to make the LSX 92 stand apart from the rest, including bold new styling, an expansive flybridge, a private water level terrace off the master stateroom, a retractable aft sun deck shade, a more spacious floor plan than most yachts of its size, and Quad Volvo Penta Quad IPS II drive units. One of the most unique features of the 92 is the generous aft section that includes a large teak swim platform with a garage for toys that converts into a shaded area suitable for entertaining. Lazzara’s 92 features three staterooms plus a master, and crew quarters for two with an optional third bed. The layout also includes Lazzara’s trademark atrium galley. Additionally, those who purchase the yacht will have choices of Lazzara’s signature woodwork in new, contemporary veneers and finishes. The cutting edge 75 was launched in October 2006, and with all new Volvo IPS drives, joystick control and a sleek and elegant design, it immediately became highly acclaimed and widely published. The legacy of innovation through cutting edge rapid prototype technologies won the LSX 75 design team several awards, including the most innovative yacht in its class by Yachts International at the 2007 Cannes International Boat Show. As Dick Lazzara President of the company points out, the new LSX 92 is the new big sibling for the 75, but is also a total different and new yacht, achieving new dimensions in comfort and functionality.

August 22, 2008

New Model: Mainship 31 Pilot

Take a tried and true hull design that harkens to the glory days of the downeast-style lobster boat, update it with a refreshing sedan and cockpit treatment, and you have the newest addition to the Mainship Pilot family, the Pilot 31 Sedan. The first thing you will notice about the new Pilot 31 Sedan is the all-weather sedan cockpit deck. Enclosed on three sides with an available aft enclosure, this area may turn out to be the focal point of your activities aboard. The full helm sports a swivelling companion chair to port, and lies just forward of the Pilot 31 Sedan's cockpit galley. This alfresco cooking area features an electric grill, stainless steel sink, refrigerator/freezer, microwave, and generous storage, all topped with a genuine Corian® countertop. To add to this area's charm, we've provided comfortable lounge seating for up to 6 people that can dine at the convenient folding dinette table. The Pilot 31 Sedan will truly take dining and entertaining to the next level. When its time to relax below, you can retreat into the warmth of an inviting cherry wood interior with a gorgeous cherry plank sole. As you descend, you'll note the pleasant 6'3" of headroom, with the feeling of spaciousness further achieved by five strategically positioned, screened stainless steel portlights. Watch your favorite programs on the standard 20" flat panel TV with DVD. When its time to turn in, a queen size island berth will sleep you in comfort, and the convertible sofa will expand to full-size upper and lower berths. You can sleep four adults in the comfortable salon of the Pilot 31 Sedan! The wet head is easy to maintain fiberglass with a Corian®-topped vanity, and a roomy cedar-lined hanging locker will hold your clothing. When you're underway, you'll immediately notice how quiet the Pilot 31 Sedan is, yet another design element from the Mainship team! Whether you want a weekend away or an extended cruise, the newest addition to the Pilot family awaits you, See the Pilot 31 Sedan today!
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.80 m (35.5ft)
Length - 10.19 m
Beam - 3.10 m
Draft - 0.76 m
Displacement - 5,320 kg
Fuel Capacity - 681 l
Water Capacity - 151 l
Engine - 1 x Yanmar 6LPA-STP2 315hp

August 21, 2008

Projects: Beneteau 47 Monte Carlo Hard Top, Beneteau 11 Antares

The new 47 Monte Carlo Hard Top, designed by P.Andreani, takes the modern sport cruiser range of Beneteau to a wider more important audience. It will offer a host of novelties to the Monte Carlos, not only for it's extra 3 metres in length to the 37 model which will make her the new flagship of the range, but thanks to an innovative interior and cockpit layout. The new 47 will have a complete enclosed hard top with patio door, closing half part of the cockpit when the weather is not sweet. On the lower deck the big Monte Carlo really impresses, shaking the and challenging the competition with a smart and spacious layout, featuring the ever demanding full beam owners cabin but also the bonus of offering 2 different options, with a 3 or a 2 cabin version, the last giving an L-shaped settee in the lower deck in replacement to the third cabin. In the plans viewed so far the striking feature seem to be the spacious galley, but also the third cabin with in line berths. Engine options and performance have not announced, but imagine speeds over 30 knots as the smaller Monte Carlos.
It will officially be introduced next September, but we cannot resist the pleasure of announcing the birth of a new generation of Antares. With its abounding space, new levels of comfort and efficient hull the Antares 11 is bound to hold the attention of those who enjoy thrills and long breaks as well as anglers. Designed by Beneteau with P. Sarazin the new 11 Antares will have accommodation for 4 in 2 separate cabins, plus extra 2 berths available in the convertible saloon. Power will be provided by twin Volvo 260hp engines, driving trough shafts.

August 20, 2008

New Model: Grand Banks 41 Heritage EU

The new 41 Heritage EU puts a Grand Banks icon in a whole new perspective. In one bold stroke, the legendary Heritage Series design has been expertly married to a new and innovative set of features, starting with a truly state-of-the-art propulsion system. As a result, the 41EU cruises smoothly and efficiently at 10 and 24 knots alike. Handles a tight slip as confidently as a tall sea. Impresses with her luxury as much as her practicality. Goes faster and farther, yet still rides cleaner and quieter. In 1964, Grand Banks launched the first in a long succession of boats that would become the Heritage Series. Combining a genuine nautical spirit with the very best in materials and manufacturing, equipment and engineering, it brought a remarkable new cruising experience to owners around the world. An icon was born, and boating was changed forever. In 2008, Grand Banks does it again. And once more, cruising will never be the same. It's everything you expect in a Grand Banks. Refined nautical style, intelligent design, meticulous attention to detail. A master stateroom with queen berth and a generous guest cabin provide ample room for two couples. Contemporary furnishings and décor blend with GB's classic teak joinery, enhancing the sense of luxury. Teak decks, an expansive flybride and a host of additional features inside and out promise to make the 41EU another cruising classic from Grand Banks. It's unlike any Grand Banks we've ever built. Powered by the Zeus propulsion system, the 41EU delivers unparalleled control, speed and efficiency. Dock with pinpoint accuracy; hold a rock-steady position in wind and current; travel faster and farther while using less fuel. Today's most advanced marine propulsion system joined with a new modified deep-V hull design: together, they deliver a revolutionary new level of performance, at both planing and semi-displacement speeds.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.2 m (46.5ft)
Length - 12.6 m
Waterline Length - 11.6 m
Beam - 4.7 m
Draft - 1.7 m
Fuel Capacity - 1,893 l
Water Capacity - 757 l
Displacement - 16,783 kg

August 19, 2008

Boat Review: Itama Forty


Presentation
Classics of the classics. This is how I always described, the glorious boat builder Itama and it's range of boats. Founded 1969 in close premises to Italy's capital city Rome by Mario Amati, Itama was among the first answer to the legend that Teodoli's Magnum was creating in the States. The Itama 38 presented in 1979 was the first reply from Amati, creating with this new model also the first underwater exhaust system. Fast forward to 2004 and here comes the acquisition of Ferretti Group, with the Pershing holding of Itama. The Forty designed by Marco Casali replacing the 40 as reinterpreted by Amati, was the first reply from the new owners and it was already a shining star of better things to come for this legendary brand of timeless Power Yachts.
Accommodation
When launched in the fall of 2005 the Itama Forty surprised everyone in the accommodation fronts. First thanks to the cockpit layout with a big sun lounger, c-shaped settee to starboard, helm station to port and a wetbar just behind it. Second to a very smart 2 cabin interior something always missing from the old 38 which at the time was conceived by Amati more as a weekender for a young couple.
The new forty reversed this trend with a two cabin interior giving impressive accommodation while still keeping with the Itama legendary clean lines. For the nostalgic Itama also offered a single cabin version with two L-shaped saloon settees and a spacious galley to starboard taking the place of the second cabin.

Performance
Itama has always been a follower of pure deep vee hull design with the renowned 22 degrees angle aft of its hulls. The Forty follow the rules it's founder created, and differs from previous Itamas by taking advantage of modern vee drive solutions, which loose nil performance as it was in the past but adds space for comfort below. The Itama Forty thanks to the study of Ferretti Engineering keeps the wonderful weight balance the white blue hulls have a fame for, with an overall improvement. If taking out at sea with a reassuring boat is your thing, the Itama want disappoint your expectations thanks to a perfect balanced hull and a classic deep vee that slices the water in perfect manner.
Positive
Two cabin interior version
Cockpit space layout
Bathing platform functionality
Timeless lines
Negative
No railing to go forward, but I would not want one on this boat
Competition
A lot of competition for Itama, mostly coming also from Central South Italy, like renowned builder Baia, but also some new comers offering the closest threat like XL Marine with there 43 offering a very similar concept to the Forty. Other choices include the 44 Rivarama a modern interpretation, but with the Riva classic flare going into it, with the same idea going behind the Sarnico Spider. Modern looking but what could not be missing here is the Magnum 44 Banzai which offers tremendous performance. As a wild card we choose a lobster boat from USA builder Hinckley for those who still want a classic line but may may be with something more over there heads.
Baia 43 One - loft style single cabin IPS or surface drives, alternative cockpit
Magnum 44 Banzai - single cabin, aggressive modern Pininfarina lines, surface drives
Riva 44 Rivarama - a pure open from Riva, more modern style, 2 cabins
Sarnico 43 Spider - same theme to Riva, invisible second cabin with head, IPS
Unica 42 - classic lines modern windshield, various options inside and propulsion
XL Marine 43 - from the people created the previous 40, similar but 2 cabin heads option
WILD CARD: Hinckley 44 Talaria - lobster classic lines, full weather protection, 2 cabins
Conclusion
If you want a classic no frills design, strong build and a good sea keeper there is not much looking then the Itama Forty. She is undoubtedly the classic of classics, and the improvements made, make sure she will last for an other decade and more. Compared to the previous 38 and 40 models, the new interior layout, cockpit and bathing platform arrangement give the Forty the extra step ahead offering much greater volume for owners who want to use there Itama not only for fast hops between a marina and an island, but also for an extended Summer cruise. The latest Itama Forty completes the cycle thanks to it's modern interior, good accommodation and the handling performance that only a boat that is built around balance and followed by accommodation can give, but most of all outside it remains clean and unchanged as the Itamas have been since eighties.
Technical Data
LOA. 13.36 metres (43.8ft)
Hull Length. 12.25 metres
Beam. 3.95 metres
Draft. 1.22 metres
Displacement. 13.7 t loaded, 10.7 t empty with standard equipment
Fuel Capacity. 1130 litres
Water Capacity. 330 litres
Max Persons. 12
Accommodation. 2 cabins or single cabin version with single head
Engines. 2 x MAN CR 450hp
Propulsion. Shaft Drive Speed. 35 knots max, 30 knots cruising
Project. Marco Casali, Itama
Certification. CE 94/25 A
www.itama-yacht.com
Picture Copyright Itama. Data Itama.