September 23, 2008

New Model: Maritimo C 60 Sports Cabriolet

The new Maritimo C 60 Sports Cabriolet was unveiled during the recent Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Maritimo revealed a classically European styled sports cruiser, creating an unprecedented interest for a company which had built its reputation with flying bridge cruisers, the C60 Sports Cabriolet represents a radical change in direction for the Aussie yard. Innovative and very different, the stylish sports yacht does have something in common with its flying bridge colleagues; it is also a luxury long-range motor yacht, capable of superb performance while offering its owner and guests total comfort and luxury aboard. Clever design has produced a vessel with so much space aboard, that it astonishes you with it's sixty feet length, featuring an unusual four staterooms layout providing sleeping accommodation for eight and including a spacious full beam master cabin. The luxurious accommodation continues on the main deck with the magnificent saloon, well equipped galley and a starboard side helm with dual aircraft-style seating are the notable features of the boats interior plan. Aft, a hydraulically raised transom reveals a garage able to accommodate a three metre tender, while below in a beautifully planned engine room her dual Caterpillar C-12 diesels of 715hp each ensure the C60 Sports Cabriolet goes every bit as good as it looks.
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.8 m (61.7ft)
Beam - 5.3 m
Draft - 1.4 m
Fuel Capacity - 5600 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Weight - 27 t
Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 2 heads
Engines - 2 x Caterpillar C12 715hp
Speed - 25 knots cruising

Project: Apreamare 44

The close cooperation between Victory design and Apreamare goes on, following the success of the previous models and the enthusiasm in meeting ever-changing challenges, without ever forgetting the classical tradition of the Apreamare shipyard. Functionality and easiness of use, two of the key factors for success of the very much appreciated range of boats, are an asset of the latest born Apreamare 44. The outline of the deck shapes the external space, providing the boat with a sober elegance and great functionality. Moving around the boat is made easy by the wide side deck, while the comfortable sofa in the bow area and the large sundeck offer a chance of relax at all times, including sailing. The cockpit is furnished in an original manner, with a comfortable sofa that, when needed, can be turned into a sundeck by means of a pantograph support mechanism in the back. In the bow area below deck there is a large owner’s cabin, designed to meet the needs of owners who love comfort onboard, offering wide wardrobes along the walls and a constant relationship with the sea through the wide panoramic windows. Bathrooms in the central part of the boat have separated, large shower cabins, which can be accessed from the cabins. The bathroom of the guests’ cabin also serves as a day bath thanks to the additional door on the corridor. The innovative layout of the area below deck also includes the galley and guests’ cabin in the stern. The guests’ cabin, provided with all the necessary stowage spaces, has a single bed and a French bed. The L-shaped kitchen is fully equipped, including a sink, refrigerator which is larger than the average on this category and burner stove. Spacious wall cupboards, chests of drawers and shelves provide ample stowage room. While the functionality of the galley is an important element, the prevailing characteristic is its direct relationship with the living area provided by a wide opening in the deck that also guarantees excellent and pleasant lighting. The layout of the deck includes the living room, with a C-shaped sofa that can be transformed into a comfortable bed by means of the adjustable height table. Behind the captain’s seat is a large L-shaped container which integrates the rich interior of the deck. In spite of its small size, Apreamare 44 provides a comfortable sailor’s cabin that can be accessed from the settee in the cockpit. This boat will be equipped with twin Cummins 480hp motors enabling a maximum speed of 30 knots and a cruising speed of 27 knots.

September 22, 2008

New Model: Absolute 70

The much waited flagship of Absolute yachts the new 70, was finally unveiled during the Cannes Show. This was much an awaited debut from the competition, press and passionate people alike, due to some important technical and design innovations. The new 70 makes the talk with never seen ideas for a 21 metre Sport Yacht: extended hard top with the aft part opening up electrically to uncover the aft deck if you are a sun worshipper, forward sunpads for three persons all adjustable electrically, interior saloon and galley being among the most spacious of the category and all cabins featuring big full view windows. The innovation on the technical side comes from the quadruple IPS 600 engine installation the second boat offering this type of propulsion, and the digital integrated control by wire system. Sleeping accommodation offers a 3 double cabin interior all featuring fully private en-suite heads, with full beam owners cabin being very spacious for the size of boat. Crew cabin is a double accommodation, featuring a crew lobby, also unusual for a Sport Yacht of 21 metre. Credit has to be given to Absolute, who with the new flagship continues the philosophy shown with the smaller models creating a flagship full of innovative features. PowerYacht thanks Absolute UK dealer Ocean Nautic for his assistance in this exclusive preview.
Technical Data:
LOA - 21.50 m (70.5ft)
Beam - 5.45 m
Weight - 35.000 kg estimated
Fuel Capacity - 3000 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Max Persons - 16
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 2 berth crew cabin
Engines - 4 x Volvo Penta D6 IPS600 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking duoprop pods
Speed - 31 knots max, 26 knots cruising
Design - Absolute Development Lab
Certification - CE B

September 20, 2008

New Model: Sunseeker 86 Yacht

With a broad beam and superb accommodation for up to eight people, the 86 Yacht is typical of Sunseeker’s trademark look and proven deep ‘V’ hull design, a craft of exceptional beauty. The exterior enjoys a sleek profile and extremely elegant lines, suggesting both power and grace. Forward of the large saloon is a dining area, fully equipped galley and stairs leading to the lower deck and guest accommodation. The main deck also features the main helm position and access to the forward VIP stateroom with en suite and walk-in wardrobe. Alternative layout options allow for a total of up to three full beam staterooms or a third smaller stateroom and additional fourth pullman cabin. With a choice of powerful twin diesel engine options, this new yacht is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots. Inside, Sunseeker’s team of interior designers and stylists excel with their imaginative use of space, particularly the inspired layout that allows the crew to move freely between the fully equipped enclosed galley and their self-contained quarters without disturbing guests. The crew quarters are situated at the stern and include a crew mess, shower/WC, captain’s double berth cabin and a twin pullman crew cabin. With an optional GRP hard-top bimini, the flybridge provides ample seating and sunbathing space with a fully equipped wetbar and teak dining table and the area can also be customised to include a hot tub, crane and jet ski.
Technical Data:
LOA - 26.4 m (86.9ft)
Length Waterline - 20.4 m
Beam - 6.40 m
Draft - 1.96 m
Displacement - 69.100 kg @ half load
Fuel Capacity - 7500 l
Water Capacity - 1500 l
Accoumdation - eight guests in four cabins, four crew in two cabins  
Engines - twin diesel up to a total of 3650 hp
Speed - 30 knots max, 23 knots cruising
Range - 350 nautical miles
Project - Don Shead hull, Sunseeker Design Exterior and Interior

September 19, 2008

Project: Sea Ray 43 / 475 Sundancer

The new Sea Ray 43 Sundancer, badged 475 Sundancer for the european market is the first model from renowned USA builder to come standard with the revolutionary Zeus propulsion system and intuitive helm joystick, which means that docking is as easy as it can be. All the driver has to do is move the joystick in the direction he or she wants to go, or twist it to turn the boat in its own length. Nothing could be easier. The 43 Sundancer comes standard with twin Cummins MerCruiser QSB 425 hp diesels mated to Zeus pods drives, offering 15 percent better fuel economy and 15 percent faster top speeds than regular inboards. Plus, the Zeus-equipped 43 Sundancer provides a more comfortable ride because gear noise and vibration are significantly reduced. Optional power includes twin Cummins MerCruiser QSB 480 hp diesels also with Zeus Pod drives. Above the waterline, the new 43 Sundancer is a stylish cruiser starting with the trademark reverse sheer line, two oversize hull windows and 10 portlights. A hardtop integrates seamlessly with the windshield for the ultimate in weather protection, yet you can still let the sun shine in thanks to two retractable skylights. The cockpit features a double captain bolster seat with armrests, which can be ajusted as one wishes thanks to its sliding adjustment, to portside there is a guests lounger big L-shaped bench, further aft a U-shaped lounge flanking a convenient fiberglass table, a wet bar opposite features a solid-surface countertop, sink and icemaker or opting up to the removable flatscreen TV, stainless-steel barbecue grill and refrigerator. Below deck, the 43 Sundancer features a functional double split stateroom plan. The forward master cabin features an island-style berth, with its own flatscreen TV with remote DVD player and innovative individual head and shower compartments, port and starboard, both with tile flooring. The mid-stateroom has two twin beds that converts to a queen also with its own private head and shower compartment. In between the two staterooms, the salon and galley have all the modern indulgences of a refined seaside condominium. The galley is designed to make life as easy as possible for the onboard chef, with a plenty designated storage. Full stainless-steel appliances add more than a touch of luxury. At its heart, the new 43 / 475 Sundancer is a boat that will make owners feel comfortable in any situation, whether it be driving, docking, entertaining, or cruising with friends and family.

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.