September 18, 2008

New Model: Hatteras 56 Motor Yacht

Presented as a project a year ago legendary yacht builder Hatteras launched the latest member to its fleet, the new 56 Motor Yacht during it's own Yacht Expo held in the end of May in New Bern. Smallest in size of it's motor yacht range, this new Hatteras incorporates an original design, spacious interior and intuitive features that make this an ideal boat for the owner-operator representing a new entry-level product for the thousands of boat owners who aspire to own a Hatteras. Boaters the world over appreciate the advanced design and robust construction that sets Hatteras apart from the fleet. Like all Hatteras models, the 56 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. And the hull benefits from an advanced variable-deadrise design that utilizes large propeller tunnels to reduce draft and increase efficiency. The 56 Motor Yacht standard power is a pair of 705 hp Cummins QSM11s, 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 the boat's 18-foot 2-inch beam, this configuration gives the 56MY 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. With her fuel tanks full, that provides a usable range of approximately 300 nautical miles. Optional 1,000-hp 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 amid ship, 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. Thanks to its impressive interior, innovative features and solid Hatteras-worthy construction, the 56 Motor Yacht stands ready to introduce a whole new group of boaters to the benefits of becoming a member of the Hatteras family.
Technical Data:
Length - 17.28 m (56.8ft)
Beam - 5.53 m
Draft - 1.37 m
Displacement - 38,555 kg
Fuel Capacity- 3406 l
Water Capacity - 946 l
Accommodation - 3 cabins with 2 heads
Engines - 2 x Cummins CMD QSM-11 705hp, CAT C18 1000hp
Speed - 29 knots max, 26 knots cruising

September 17, 2008

Project: Princess V42

The Princess V42 has become one of the best known sports cruiser in production today, with a legendary combination of style, pace and agility at sea. Now a brand new V42 will adopt the mantle to reinvent the benchmark of modern sports cruisers. With the option of an electric hardtop which incorporates a large opening sunroof, the flexibility afforded by the latest in V Class design can be enjoyed on the smaller of the range. Yet the new V42, now in it's third version possesses one of the most dynamic and sleek profiles in her class. That a hardtop can be incorporated into a superstructure without interrupting the beautiful lines is a testament to the years of experience within the renowned British builder development team, and both the logical layout and standard of accommodation are equally impressive. The cockpit benefits from two separate seating areas and enjoys the convenience of a wetbar and top-loading cool box, plus the option of a barbecue for al fresco entertaining. The aft deck incorporates a sunbed and dinghy garage as standard, for a level of comfort and convenience that makes life aboard effortless and relaxing. For an extended stay there are two cabins, with the owner’s accommodation forward and a guest cabin amidships. Unlike previous V42, both cabins benefit the luxury of en-suite shower heads. Interior furnishing follows Princess luxurious gloss or satin finish timber furniture and the finest fabrics and upholstery. The saloon and galley provide a haven for relaxation below decks, with the latest in modern appliances and a high specification of standard equipment, plus the flexibility of a convertible saloon table for additional overnight guests. This new model incorporates all the essential ingredients of the latest V Class sports yacht, with dynamic style and thrilling performance to match, set to redefine a successful model in production for over 8 years.

September 16, 2008

New Model: Sessa C43

If you had to ask me the question which of the main builders have improved dramatically in recent times, my answer would surely include Sessa as on top of the list. The Italian builder has upgraded the class, standard and quality of it's boats, not only in it's recent bigger boats but also in the smaller ones of it's range. The new C43 announced as a project in Summer continues Sessa improvement in quality and style, creating an elegant design which leaves nothing to chance, with bands and stops underlining the structure contour and revealing the outer strength of the hull. Inside, each detail is finely crafted to create an atmosphere which is both modern and uncluttered but also mellow and welcoming. A successful choice of materials and colours provides a play on contrast and allows the boat’s inside to be visualised in a different manner, reinventing marine interior design, giving each view a 3D dimension. In this spirit, the lounge and galley present a play of colours and materials creating a unique, modern atmosphere: textured leathers on black lacquered wood or walnut, as well as velvet partitions enhanced by fetching steel pieces. Power is entrusted to double Volvo 370hp available in IPS pod propulsion or stern drives, with the later giving better performance and the former easy tight manoeuvring. Designed by architect Christian Grande, new Sessa C43 follows the style and philosophy of the much praised C46 introduced last year, but in a more compact thirteen meter length. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.20 m (43.3ft)
Length - 12.90 m
Waterline Length - 10.35 m
Draft - 0.73 m excluding props
Weight - 12.000 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 450 l
Water Capacity - 320 l
Max Persons - 12
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 370hp 
Propulsion - Volvo IPS Pod forward looking pods, DPX stern drive
Design - Christian Grande, Sessa Marine Certification - CE A

September 15, 2008

Powerboat P1 - Spain Grand Prix, Conam Takes Title in Advance, Honey Party Win

A strange weekend of challenges and surprices had to be the Vigo, P1 Grand Prix of Spain. This was the first ever stop of P1 in Spain and calm conditions showed a different results to what we have been used so far this season, especially to what regards the Evolution races. As expected by the many 44 Conam yachts Italian Maltese pairing took the 2008 title, a first for Maltese hero Aaron Chiantar and the second for Tedeschi and the Maltese build 41 feet Chaudron built boat. Meanwhile in the Evolution the also 2007 champions and currect class leaders of Fountain Worldwide will still have the battle there way in Portugal to see who will be crowned champion for the 2008 season, in the big class.
Supersport
There was heartbreak for the 38 Baia High Performance team and huge joy for the 44 Conam Yachts outfit in the aftermath of Saturday’s Vigo Grand Prix of the Sea Sprint race, as a six-minute penalty for exceeding the 85mph maximum speed limit denied the OSG Racing-run outfit their first win of the year. The 38 Baia High Performance team had briefly been the only team to have beaten the defending champion 44 Conam Yachts outfit on the water this year, but 12 timing infringements over the duration of the race netted them a six-minute penalty that puts 44 Conam Yachts on the top step and knocked 38 Baia High Performance down to fifth place in the race results. The 22 Big Sergio outfit is now second in the race results, while the 26 Team Konrad Wild Card entry secures the final podium spot as part of an impressive debut outing. The 44 Conam Yachts team continued their dominance of Powerboat P1’s SuperSport class in Sunday’s final Endurance race of the Vigo Grand Prix of the Sea weekend. The aspiring double champions beat off the 38 Baia High Performance and 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet teams in the 11-lap race off the coast of Playa de Samil. It was another lights-to-flag victory for team boss and throttleman Angelo Tedeschi and pilot Aaron Ciantar, who now secure their second SuperSport crown in a row. The closest team to them in the championship points the 07 Microlink PC outfit could only manage fourth today, pretty much eliminating it from the 2008 title chase. Rounding out the finishers were the 46 Spirit of Portomaso boat, the 26 Team Konrad Wild Card entry, the 22 Big Sergio Al & Al team and the 05 Team Tullio Abate Wild Card. The 08 Phoenix boat failed to start the race after picking up debris in the engine bay. 44 Conam Yachts' double victory also gives them the overall Grand Prix of the Sea win from the 38 Baia High Performance crew and the 22 Big Sergio Al & Al team.
44 Conam Yachts team boss and throttleman Angelo Tedeschi and pilot Aaron Ciantar have expressed their delight at securing this year’s SuperSport championship with a double win in the Vigo Grand Prix of the Sea. This is the second SuperSport title in a row for Tedeschi and his Italian-based Racing Project outfit after winning the 2007 crown. The 44 Conam Yachts outfit have managed to combine blinding speed with impressive reliability in the quest to defend their championship. Tedschi and Ciantar have dominated every race this year in their Mercury-powered Chaudron, losing only one victory to the 07 Microlink PC team after picking up a penalty for a jump start.
Evolution
The 69 Honeyparty.com team finally put an end to their almost season-long run of misfortune, by scoring their first win of their debut Powerboat P1 season in Saturday’s Vigo Grand Prix of the Sea Evolution class Sprint race. The British-based team were never headed in the event, comfortably building up an early lead over the 99 Fountain Worldwide team in the opening laps and extending it as the race went on. Finishing in third were the Belgian 57 Centaurian Yachts team who showed a new-found blinding pace after bogging down at the start and dropping to the back of the pack by racing through the field to a podium finish. Second place for the 99 Fountain Worldwide team has put the defending title winners within striking distance of scoring their second consecutive crown. The closest teams to them in the points standings the 60 GFN Gibellato and 88 Kiton Outerlimits boats both suffered lacklustre races, finishing fifth and seventh positions respectively, and now must hope for bad luck for 99 Fountain Worldwide and good luck for themselves in Sunday’s Endurance class race. The 53 Pignolo 53 team scored another solid fourth-place finish ahead of the 60 GFN Gibellato boat, while the 10 Fantastic 1 Cigarette Racing Team Europe and the 77 Lucas Oil boats limped round despite technical problems to finish the event either side of 88 Kiton Outerlimits in sixth and eighth places respectively. The 66 Cranfields Wine crew failed to start the event after suffering a broken camshaft.
The 53 Pignolo 53 team secured their first Powerboat P1 win after a chaotic and incident packed Evolution Endurance race that brought the weekend’s hugely successful first Vigo Grand Prix of the Sea to a dramatic close. A number of boats missed a marker buoy on the final turn of the course, throwing the subject of who had won wide open as the boats arrived back in the marina. The budding double champion 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com team led the early stages of the race from their main title rivals, 88 Kiton Outerlimits, until a fuel problem dropped them down the order before their eventual retirement on the 11th lap. That gave 88 Kiton Outerlimits the lead until they, too, started struggling with a variety of mechanics gremlins and dropped back, making the 10 Fantastic 1 Cigarette Racing Team Europe boat the new race leaders. Then, on lap 11, all hell broke lose at the final turn as the 10 Fantastic 1 boat missed one of the key buoy markers and the 60 GFN Gibellato, 88 Kiton Outerlimits, 57 Centaurian Yachts all followed suit. On the next lap, 10 Fantastic 1 and 60 GFN Gibellato missed the mark again. Each team picked up a four minute penalty for each infringement, meaning that the 53 Pignolo 53 crew emerged as the ultimate first-time victors of the race, following the lead of fellow Evolution debutant winners 69 Honeyparty.com in Saturday’s Sprint race. The 77 Lucas Oil team secured their best finish of the year with second place, while the 69 Honeyparty.com team followed up their first ever win with a third place this time out. That gave the 69 Honeyparty.com team the overall victory in the Vigo Grand Prix of the Sea stakes, from 53 Pignolo 53 and 57 Centaurian Yachts.
SuperSport Class Sprint Results
1 44 Conam Yachts 42m58.16s
2 22 The Big Sergio 44m43.50s
3 26 Team Konrad 44m49.00s
4 46 The Spirit of Portomaso 45m19.61s
5 38 Baia High Performance 42m54.11s + 6min Penalty
6 05 Special Team Guido Abbate 43m17.05s - 1 lap
7 08 Phoenix TV RET
8 07 Microlink PC RET
9 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet
Supersport Class Endurance Results
1 44 Conam Yachts
2 38 Baia High Performance
3 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet
4 07 Microlink PC
5 46 The Spirit of Portomaso
6 26 Team Konrad
7 22 The Big Sergio
8 05 Special Team Guido Abbate
9 08 Phoenix TV RET
Evolution Class Sprint Results
1 69 honeyparty.com 39m03.32s
2 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com 40m25.58s
3 57 Centaurian Yachts 41m11.00s
4 53 Pignolo 53 41m40.73s
5 60 GFN Gibellato 41m44.86s
6 10 The Fantastic 1 40m45.98s - 1 lap
7 88 Kiton Outerlimits 43m24.20s - 1 lap
8 77 Lucas Oil RET
9 66 Cranefields Wine DNS
Evolution Class Endurance Results
1 53 Pignolo 53 1h02m58.99s
2 77 Lucas Oil 1h03m08.59s
3 69 honeyparty.com 1h03m53.22s
4 88 Kiton Outerlimits 1h06m18.97s + 4min penalty
5 57 Centaurian Yachts 1h06m37.65s + 4min penalty
6 10 The Fantastic 1 1h09m25.20s + 8min penalty
7 60 GFN Gibellato 1h09m33.84s + 8min penalty
8 66 Cranefields Wine 1h32m45.13s + 4min penalty
9 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com RET

September 13, 2008

Project: Atlantis 54

Following the recent much awaited launch of the Atlantis 50x4, the Tuscany builder part of the Azimut Benetti Group follows it with a bigger model project, the Atlantis 54 which apparently is to be launched very soon. The new 54 has a sporty yet elegant profile, following the hard top lines as introduced by this brand with the 55 in 2004, and then followed with the 50 and recent 50x4 model. New 54 will also follows these models with the much praised crystallized hard top. While little details are so far available, the plans show for a very spacious upper deck living area, an up and down bathing platform for tender stowage, sun pad aft and spacious c-shaped settee with wet bar opposite featuring a high low plasma TV. The engines have also not been announced, so it is also interesting to see if Atlantis will opt for IPS or a conventional shaft configuration.

September 12, 2008

New Model: Riviera 43 Offshore Express

The Riviera 43 Offshore Express is the second in a new line of models from the Australian builder joining the 48 launched during the 2007 Fort Lauderdale boat show. As the 48 the new 43 is a sport utility vessel, that is equally at home as a game fishing machine or a family entertainer. The Riviera 43 Offshore Express is the first in this line to utilise Volvo Penta efficient and responsive IPS propulsion. Purpose-built for this system, the 43 Offshore Express has a spacious interior which includes a full-beam aft cabin, as well as a double master stateroom forward and a single bathroom. The boat has a rugged sophistication while maintaining the luxurious and functional interior typical of all Rivieras. The hydrodynamics are exceptional, with running surface and chines optimised for a soft, dry ride. The helm deck features skipper and companion chairs, an L-shaped lounge with GRP hi-low table and an aft-facing mezzanine seat. This boat is also the first Riviera equipped with a cutting edge digital switching system. Based on industry proven CAN network technology, this system offers DC switching and over-current protection to 100 milliamps accuracy. Full systems monitoring and alarms includes AC voltage, current, frequency and kilowatts, DC voltage, current and battery capacity remaining, along with tank levels and systems in operation indications. The 43 Offshore Express is offered in three distinct configurations. First option is an Open boat without a targa or coverings to the helm and deck area suited to an after-market fishing tower. Second version is a stylish, forward-raked radar arch with removable bimini creating an open boat feel for great entertaining under the Sun, with the addition protection from the weather thanks to clears on the sides and rearm with aft storm curtain are included. The last third option and also our favorite, the three-sided hardtop with a rear curtain to enclose the helm deck forward of the mezzanine.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.4 m (49.4ft)
Length Hull - 13.7 m
Beam - 4.72 m
Draft - 1.20 m
Weight - 12.500 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 1500 l
Water Capacity - 460 l
Accommodation - 5 berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS500 370hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking duo prop pods

September 11, 2008

New Model: XL Marine 51

A young shipyard XL marine founded in 2005, by people who used to be part of the Itama design team before the Ferretti take over. While the good period of the sector brings many new companies forming out nowadays, PowerYacht selects those who show a vision for the future and we think XL Marine is one of these. It presented it first model the 43 in 2006, which as beginning 2008 was delivered in nine hulls and now last July in Naples it presented to its clients and friends this new 51 model. The 51 is an interesting offshore sport yacht, based as all XL Marines on a deep vee hull with 22 degrees aft and pure classic timeless lines which never get out of fashion. Another interesting feature of the XL marine is the accommodation, which is really impressive considering the lines outside offering a two cabin two head plus crew with head interior as was for hull number one, or a three cabin two head option, with the third cabin replacing the crew cabin. Performance by twin 800hp MAN engines is a 38 knots top speed, with a 32 knots cruising. An alternative more powerful 900hp units are available, but data for this option is so far not available. XL marine sold two from design renderings of the 51, being a young company this is an impressive result. The 51 has also a hard top available as optional, completing it with this extra as a stylish all weather boat.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.54 m (50.9ft)
Hull Length - 14.35 m
Beam - 4.50 m
Draft - 1.45 m
Fuel Capacity - 2200 l
Water Capacity - 500 l
Displacement - 18 t
Accommodation - 2 cabins with 2 heads plus crew cabin with head, 3 cabins with 3 heads
Engines - 2 x MAN V6 Crm 800hp, V8 Cr 900hp
Propulsion - integrated Vee drive line shaft
Speeds - 38 knot max, 32 knots cruising with Man 800hp
Hull Shape - deep vee with spray rails 22 degrees dead rise aft
Design - Antonio di Mennato
Certification - CE A for 12 persons

September 10, 2008

Powerboat P1 - Vigo, Spain Preview

The 2008 Powerboat P1 championship is gearing up for a thrilling climax as teams head to the west coast of the European continent for the Vigo Grand Prix of the Sea in northern Spain on the southern Mediterranean coast. In the Evolution class, the reigning champion 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com team have a strong 220 point lead in the standings, but struggled to return to their early-season winning ways in the last two rounds in Malta and Tunisia. A couple of poor results, allied to wins for the 88 Kiton Outerlimits and 60 GFN Gibellato teams, could dramatically turn the balance of the title tide in the closing rounds. There’s an incredibly close battle for fourth place to seventh place, with the 53 Pignolo 53, 10 Fantastic 1, 66 Cranfields Wine and 77 Lucas Oil crews all looking for a solid finish to the end of the year. The 57 Centaurian Yachts, 76 Italcraft and 69 Honeyparty.com teams will also be looking to end their year on a high. In the SuperSport class, the reigning champion 44 Conam Yachts Racing Project team have a healthy 190 point lead, but just like in Evolution a sudden bad run of form could hand the advantage to the perfectly poised 07 VoomVoom.com team. The 38 Baia High Performance crew, who are 120 points further back, look set to take at least third place in the standings, but the 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet team will have to work hard to defend their 60-point lead over the 08 Phoenix TV crew. The 59 Saho squad will be looking to take sixth place in the standings in the absence of the 11 Sunseeker Challenger crew, while the 22 Big Sergio and 46 Spirit of Portomaso teams will be looking to end their year on a high. The Vigo Grand Prix of the Sea will takes place this weekend of September 12-14. As ever we’ll have all the inside news and analysis direct from the dry pit, with live race coverage on Virtual Spectator and P1 Radio.
www.powerboatp1.com

September 8, 2008

New Model: Numarine 78 Fly

Numarine, the yacht builder from Istanbul delivered its new model, the 78 Fly in August. The yacht, essentially a family oriented model that is also muscular and luxurious, has been built with state of the art technology and cutting edge design that has become trademarks of Numarine. Designed by Can Yalman, Tommaso Spadolini and Numarine’s in-house Design Team, a sharp profile defines the 78 Fly. Her stability, resistance and hydrodynamics are by Umberto Tagliavini. Structural engineering is carried out by High Modulus. The yacht has been built at Numarine’s 35,000 sq meter large production facility that has a capacity of producing 50 yachts per year between 55 and 102 feet. The 78 Fly’s most prominent feature is the row of elliptical portholes that are punctuated with a three up configuration. Each porthole opens up to bring in light as well as cool breezes. It’s expansive flying bridge is also among the striking features making it a joyful place, with it's sunbathing cushions, a full size dining table, wetbar, icemaker and barbeque, it is no wonder that the helmsman finds himself in delightful company during the cruise. Innovative design solutions made it also possible to place an additional dining area on the foredeck. This feature combined with the sunbathing cushions creates a completely new area to spend time or entertain small groups in. The radically modern interior reflects the contemporary design principles that make the 78 Fly a far cry from its peers. The living quarters are awash with natural light. The large windows bring the light in as well as connecting the inside with the surroundings. Uninterrupted spaces from the living past the galley and dining area leads all the way to the helm. The abundant natural light, the open space and the light colours make the 78 Fly a yacht feeling much larger than its actual size.
Technical Data:
LOA - 23.98 m (78.6ft)
Hull Length - 21.66 m
Beam - 5.80 m
Draft - 1.61 m
Displacement - 45 t full load, 37 t light
Fuel Capacity - 5000 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Engines - 2 MAN V12 1224hp
Speed - max 32 knots, cruising 25 knots
Range - 400 nautical miles
Design - Can Yalman, Tommaso Spadolini and Numarine Design Team

September 6, 2008

New Model: CNL Admiral 40

The morning of 13 August, the new planing 40 metre Admiral flagship, M/Y 'Aqua' put out to sea. No official ceremony, but an emotional transfer between the entire CNL Management, in the person of Annamaria Jaselli Ceccarelli, president, Laura Ceccarelli, vice-president and Francesco Ceccarelli, managing director and the ship-owner, who then left on board her 'dream'. This yacht represents an important goal for the shipyard, as it is the biggest built to date but this limit will shortly be overtaken: in fact, in less than a month a 42 metre will be launched, and a 44 metre which represents the top of the range of production, will follow by the end of the year. Another two 42 metre yachts are at present being built for 2009. Now the Admiral production is heading in the direction of yachts above 40 metres, a success for the brand and a confirmation of the process of growth of the Lavagna Shipyards. Peculiarities of the Admiral 40, the distinctive characteristics for the 42 and 44 metres too, are the stern hatch which opens as a platform onto the sea, the garage that hosts the tender on one side and the central instrument carrying mast which increases the space on the sun deck.This planing 39.75 metre maxi-yacht built in light 5083 aluminium, distinguishes itself for its clean and elegant lines, for its performance, 31 knots maximum speed thanks to two 3,650hp MTU, and for a layout which has the signature of Luca Dini, rich in innovative solutions. The arrangement of the interior foresee a main deck with its spacious and luminous saloon and dining-room, the central kitchen and the ship-owner’s suite; a lower deck with the stern which, thanks to the hydraulic-opening hatch, becomes a bathing platform with a sitting-room over the sea, the side garage, the engine room, the four guest cabins and the seven person crew quarters; an upper deck with the bridge and a huge sun deck with a spacious relaxation area. The yacht was built under the surveillance of the American Bureau of Shipping to obtain the 'Maltese Cross A1 Yachting Service, AMS' certification.
Technical Data:
LOA - 39.25 m (128.7ft)
Beam - 8 m
Draft - 2.8 m
Displacement - 174 t
Fuel Capacity - 30000 l
Water Capacity - 5000 l
Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, six crew berths in three plus captains cabin
Engines - 2 x MTU 16V4000 3650hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 31 knots max, 28 knots cruising
Range - 800 nautical miles at 28 knots cruising
Designer - Luca Dini with CNL Tech Dept Engineering
Construction Material - Aluminium Alloy 5083 for hull and superstructure
Certification - ABS Maltese Cross A1 CYS AMS