Class 1 - Porto Marina Egypt Preview

With three races remaining, the teams find themselves facing the business-end in the race for the world title, as they head to the highly-fashionable resort of Porto Marina on Egypt’s Northern Mediterranean coast, for the Egyptian Grand Prix, round 6 of the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, round two of the Middle East Championship. The newly-crowned European Champions, Inge Brigt Aarbakke and Jorn Tandberg, currently lying in fourth place, will line up in Jotun for the Egyptian Grand Prix on Saturday, 25 October, looking to maintain their charge and move up in the championship standings and to reduce their 19-point deficit in the World title race by taking their third consecutive win of the season. Following the drama that unfolded in the last race in Romania, just 21 points now separate the top five boats. Championship leader Victory 1, have seen their points lead cut in half over the last two races, and will have to put the disappointment of losing out on the European title by one point behind them and try to restore there winning ways. The immediate challenge to their title lead comes from team-mates Victory 7, currently lying in second spot and 10 points adrift, who have been a constant threat all season and will be hunting down a fifth podium finish, if not their first win of the year. Qatar 95’s impressive second place last time out, running the Sterling V8 power-plants for the first time, catapulted it into third place and crucially, ahead of their team-mates, Qatar 96 who are down in fifth place, to head the Qatar challenge for title honours. And with a raft of modifications carried out on Qatar 95, they will be looking to go one better and win in Porto Marina. Foresti and Suardi 8 Italian-Norwegian pairing, are proving to be one of the season’s most reliable outfits - taking five fifth place finishes and one sixth - and lead the race for middle-order supremacy, with Montavoci, a rough water specialist, hoping to spring a few surprises if they get a repeat of last year’s rough conditions. Spaniards Spirit of Spain 88, will be aiming to step up their levels of performance, running their Mercury-Class 1 V8-powered Tencara, for the first time with Class 1 newcomer Mohammed Abdelkader Ahmed making his competitive debut in the team’s second boat, Roscioli Hotels Roma, alongside Giovanni Carpitella who makes a welcome return to Class 1 action. Following a frustrating few races, but a solid sixth place in Romania, SeveneleveN 18 switch back to the Giorgi V12 engine-package and is another team who will benefit in rough seas and will be confident that they can grab another top-six finish. After crashing out of the opening race of the season in Qatar, Chris Personage returns to front-line action in Negotiator 50 for only his second start of the season. But with regular driver, 2005 World Champion Bard Eker, unavailable, Parsonage has drafted in the services of the experienced American throttleman Billy Moore to take the sticks, with team boss Parsonage switching to takeover driving duties, his first time behind the wheel for two years. The return of Negotiator means that four out of the ten boats lining up in Porto Marina will be running V8 power-plants; Negotiator and Qatar 95 with Sterlings and Spirit of Spain and Jotun with the Mercury-Class 1. And whilst Negotiator 50 world title aspirations ended in Doha, the likelihood is, that they will be in the mix in the fight for the Middle East Championship, and could well play a role in the outcome of the World Championship if they can take points away from any of the title contenders. What no one can predict will be the weather and conditions that teams will face in Porto Marina. But a repeat of last years extremely rough conditions will act as great leveller in terms of boat and pilot performance, with the 20-lap, 91.67Nm Egyptian Grand Prix shaping up to be a crucial race in the outcome of the 2008 world title.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 5 of 8
1. Victory 1 – 81pts
2. Victory 7 – 71pts
3. Qatar 95 – 63pts
4. Jotun 90 – 62pts
5. Qatar 96 – 60pts
6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – 41pts
7. Spirit of Spain 88 – 19pts
8. SeveneleveN 18 – 14pts
9= Negotiator 50 – 4pts
9= Qatar 9 – 4pts
(Championship points include bonus points allocated to teams for running engines for two consecutive races - one point, per engine, per race)
MIDDLE EAST CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 1 of 4
1. Victory 1 – 20pts
2. Qatar 96 – 15pts
3. Victory 7 – 12pts
4. Qatar 95 – 9pts
5. Foresti & Suardi 8 – 7pts
6. SeveneleveN 18 – 5pts
7. Negotiator 50 – 4pts
8. Jotun 90 – 0pts
EDOX POLE POSITION CHAMPIONSHIP – after round 5 of 8
1. Victory 1 – 75pts
2. Qatar 96 – 59pts
3. Jotun 90 – 51pts
4. Qatar 95 – 37pts
5. Victory 7 – 28pts
6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – 17pts
7. SeveneleveN 18 – 15pts
8. Negotiator 50 – 7pts
9. Qatar 9 – 5pts
10. Spirit of Spain 88 – 2pts

www.class-1.com

New Model: Sessa C 52

Sessa C 52, the famous Italian builder flagship, is now being presented in a new and revised version. The first notable difference is the hard top, now revised with a more aggressive profile, similar to what we have seen on the successful C 46 introduced last year and the new C 43, the 2008 novelty for Sessa Marine Yacht Line. Other important differences are the more powerful engines now offering Volvo's D12-800 series 774hp as the top option, better designed outdoor cockpit with new and sporty windows for a better clearer visibility and two new broadside colourings Copper and Turquoise, adding on the previous Navy Blue and Ruby Red. Inside Sessa also improved its option now offering two indoor versions: “Tradition” and “Innovation”, both with a strongly innovative and unique personality. Worth to note that Sessa in recent times has shown impressive new models, and this new version of the C 52 keeps on improving the already successful flagship model.

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.90 m (52.1ft)

Length - 15.80 m

Beam - 4.60 m

Weight - 18 t

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 1000 l

Water Capacity - 2 x 300 l

Max Persons - 16

Berths - 6 in 3 cabins

Engines - twins up to 1548hp

Speed - max 35 knots, cruising 28 knots, planning speed 18 knots with Volvos D12 675hp

Range - 11 hours at 28 knots

Project - Massimo Radice hull, Christian Grande exterior lines

Certification - CE B

www.sessamarine.com

Project: Sabre 40 Sedan

A new generation project for USA builder Sabre and there line of motor yachts calling traditional looks is soon to be launched, with this new 40 Sedan. This project from Sabre is not just a new model outside but represents important manufacturing advances, being fully built with resin infusion, both hull and deck. This latest process in fiberglass lamination builds a lighter and stronger boat resulting also more fuel efficient. Another novelty will be the propulsion, as it is fitted with the modern and latest Zeus pod drives system, giving better fuel efficiency, saving as much as 20% on fuel costs, but also quieter and making boat handling in tight quarters a breeze. The 40 Sedan will be powered with twin Cummins QSD 5.8l at 380 hp each, coupled to CMD Zeus 3500 Pod Drives. Inside it offers a spacious environment with a lower deck offering four berths in a twin stateroom layout and a spacious single head. An optional flybridge version, with second helm station up top will also be available.

www.sabreyachts.com

New Model: Carver 44 Sojourn

USA builder Carver has a reputation for creating people friendly boats with spacious accommodation and good construction quality. There new Carver 44 Sojourn builds on this tradition and combines these attributes with Volvo IPS joystick controlled drives for easy operating efficiency and superb close quarter's maneuverability. This dynamic new yacht has among the most spacious bridge, cockpit, swim platform and salon space than other yachts in its class. Clever also from the USA builder is that this space is contained within a floor plan that incorporates a minimum of steps, amazing you with the ease to move about and around the 44 Sojourn. Other important notes is the communication between the various areas outside with wide side decks and direct access to the foredeck from the bridge, appreciated by all on board. The expansive swim platform and large cockpit put the owners and their guests within easy access to the water. The extended bathing platform provides a sturdy safe place to store, transport and launch a tender or a personal water craft. Other features of the 44 Sojourn include two private staterooms and two enclosed head compartments. The dinette table converts to a double berth giving the yacht a total overnight capacity of six people. The 44 Sojourn has 5 different engines available in either petrol or diesel fuel combustion, with Volvo IPS as its main propulsion configuration, but also the option of a traditional in line shaft drive. Technical Data:
LOA - 13.1 m (44.4ft)
Hull Length - 12.3 m
Beam - 4.2 m
Draft - 1.17 m
Weight - 13.607 kg approx loaded
Fuel Capacity - 1560 l
Water Capacity - 379 l
Berths - 4 + 2
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS450 330hp, IPS 500 370hp, IPS 600 435hp

www.carveryachts.com

New Model: Ferretti 840 Altura

The new 840 Altura launched officially during the Cannes show last month, is an evolution of this legendary new line, giving a sea experience with the comforts of a villa, enjoying the design, quality and technology of Ferretti yachts. The Altura 840 marks the evolution of the 690 Altura launched in 2005 but also is a renewal to the yards historical heritage of the mid seventies Altura 42, the motor sailor, but also the successful flybridge cruisers that where the Altura 46 and 49, pioneer models which opened a new age of motor yachting with there innovation. Designed by Zuccon Project in collaboration with Ferretti's AYT, Altura 840 now stands alongside Altura 690, providing a comfortable yacht with diverse spaces and advanced technology, complemented by furnishings of a nautical feel, with extensive use of wood. Stepping on board the main deck reveals spaces outside for social interaction thanks to a large rectangular table, settee aft which accommodates up to eight guests. Further forward we have more spaces that encourage open air living, complimenting the aft cockpit with another lounge area forward with two large sunpads, a living area with a double settee divan and retractable parasol providing shelter from the sun. The flybridge equipped with a hard top provides shade for the living area up top, which has a large U-shaped divan, a reclining sunpad further forward, expendable table, wet bar grill unit, a large sunpad aft, helm station located to port and tender with crane davit aft. The aft bathing platform features additional tender stowage, with convenient launching thanks to an electric hydraulic system, also providing a beach platform with easy water access. The interiors of the new Altura are finished in teak with light coloured fabrics for the upper sections. Light is a recurring theme in all this model thanks to big windows in all the right places. The welcoming saloon on the main deck has a c-shaped divan, opposite we have two movable armchairs and further forward a working expendable office desk. Two steps down we go into the innovative part of the Altura 840 which is the covered saloon dining area, featuring a c-shaped dining table and a galley with sliding door opposite. The raised helm area is two steps up from the main saloon featuring the console to port, and an l-shaped settee dinette with room for up to eight people to starboard. The guests accommodation lies forward, comprising a twin cabin, a twin cabin with L-shaped berth and the double VIP to fore. Every cabin has a private bathroom with separate shower. The 840 Altura follows the 690 also with the aft full beam owners cabin, separated from the other accommodation and accessible from the salon, giving an extremely spacious and natural lighted area, thanks again to large side and aft windows. Crew area is located mid ship with 4 berths, and a separate communication with the galley and deck allowing maximum owner and guest privacy. In terms of comfort and speed, the Altura 840 offers characteristics that reflects the technology of the entire Ferretti fleet, starting with the Mitsubishi ARG (Anti Rolling Gyro) stabilisers reducing roll by fifty per cent, standard for the new Ferretti 840 Altura. It is also provided with latest generation Naviop instrumentation, a cutting edge control system providing simple, immediate touch-screen monitoring and management. The engine room is located amidships between the owner cabin and crew quarters, for total comfort and greater privacy. Power for the Altura 840 is provided by two MTU 1823hp give cruising speeds of 27 knots and a max of 30.5 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 25.59 m (83.9ft)

Length Hull - 23.95 m

Waterline Length - 20.42 m

Beam - 6.15 m

Displacement - 59.500 kg unloaded, 70.100 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 7000 l

Water Capacity - 1320 l

Max Persons - 20

Engines - 2 x MTU 12V2000M93 1823hp

Speed - 30.5 knots max, 27 knots cruising estimated

Design - Zuccon Project, Ferretti AYT

www.ferretti-yachts.com

Project: Grand Banks 72 Aleutian SC

Grand Banks introduces the latest addition to there growing Aleutian Series of raised pilothouse yachts, the 72 Aleutian SC. Scheduled for launch in 2009, this new model joins the 72 RP as the largest and most luxurious yachts in the Grand Banks fleet. One look at the 72 SC plans and renderings, reveals the key difference between the two 72 Aleutian models: where the 72RP boasts an open lower cockpit with stairs up to the main deck level, the 72SC instead features a one level flash main deck that extends aft from the salon to the transom creating a wonderfully large outdoor living area covered by the flybridge deck above. In addition, the 72SC will also be the first Grand Banks to offer the option of a four-stateroom layout.

www.grandbanks.com

New Model: Cruisers 420 Sports Coupe

A nice looking hard top sports cruiser, from renowned USA builder Cruisers, this is the new 420 Sports Coupe launched to much acclaim in the Spring of this year. The new 420 Sports Coupe according to its builder, is the first boat of its kind with a walk through windshield, and a sunroof hard top. There is other bonuses on this Sports Cruiser which make its attention noticed, like the spacious cockpit l-shaped wetbar, double helmsman seat and full beam extended platform suitable for tender stowage. It's lower accommodation deck features a 2 cabin 2 head layout, with a spacious master island berth to fore and a mid stateroom that can convert to a double berth thanks to infill cushions. Propulsion wise the 420 Sports Coupe can be offered with traditional inboard shafts or the latest Volvo pod drives. As it is expected from a USA builder both petrol and diesel options are available.

Technical Data:

LOA - 13.1 m (43ft)

Beam - 4.1 m

Draft - 1.1 m with IPS

Weight - 10,659 kg with diesel engines

Fuel Capacity - 1136 l

Water Capacity - 284 l

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 370hp, D6 435hp, Yanmar T6-LY3-5TP 440hp

Propulsion - Volvo IPS Pod Drive, shaft inboard

www.cruisersyachts.com

Projects: Cranchi 43 Atlantique, Cranchi 36 Zaffiro HT, Cranchi 33 Endurance, Cranchi 29 Zaffiro

Four new projects from World renowned Italian builder Cranchi, scheduled for debut in 2009 with two being of completely new concept, and the remaining based on existing models. The 43 Atlantique project is semi new, having hull and propulsion taken from the 43 Mediterranee model. Designed as all recent Cranchi models by Aldo Cranchi, this 13 metre flybridge cruiser project fills the gap between the long standing 40 and 50 Atlantique models. Accommodation is a 4 berths 2 cabins, 2 heads layout, with galley down. The main saloon has an l-shaped settee, which if desired can transform to an extra double berth. Furnishings and fittings are in a modern minimal style detail. 43 Atlantique uses Volvo modern and much marketed IPS pod propulsion, a rare choice so far from most of the main stream builders, as what regards flybridge boats. The option is for IPS 500 or 600, with the later giving estimated top speeds of 35 knots. Consumption, the main IPS advantage is a low of 106 litres per hour at 30 knots cruising. New version for the Zaffiro 36, presented a year ago by Cranchi, adding the much requested hard top over the helm area. The hard top although similar to the 36 Pelican is different, having the new 36 Zaffiro HT a more sporty design profile. Still with so much competition lately, mostly offering integrated designs, our thought is that Cranchi could have done something better then putting a GRP mould supported with a metal frame for the new 36 Zaffiro HT version.

A new Endurance is always good news from Cranchi, being this range of Sportier Cruisers, with big exterior areas having a huge following. The 33 Endurance project looks a nice aggressive looking boat, with big central windows allowing for maximum light inside. The deck of the boat is well planned with a big sun lounger aft, l-shaped settee dinette, double helm station to starboard and another passenger seat to port. Inside we have a transformable vee berth to fore, surprisingly spacious head with separate shower stall to port, galley to starboard and double mid ship cabin. Performance is a 37 knots max with the smaller diesel option of twin D4 300 hp each. A more powerful twin D6 of 330 hp each will be available as optional for higher thrill seekers. Entry level Sport Cruiser project for Cranchi Master Cruiser line, is this new 29 Zaffiro. This new 29 Zaffiro surprises thanks to the new modern big side windows located to fore, a rare design for this size giving loads of natural light inside. A spacious boat inside and outside, the 29 Zaffiro redesigns and recaptures space. It's outside cockpit looks spacious with a big c-shaped settee reminiscent of bigger boats, a wet bar and a sun lounger next to the helm area. Below we have a classic layout with a v-shaped settee forward transformable to a double berth, a galley to port, head shower to starboard and a double berth below to mid ship. 29 Zaffiro will have 5 engine options, 3 petrol and 2 diesels. The Diesel options are a single D4 at 300 hp and a twin D3 of 190 hp. The twin diesel option gives 32 knots top speed and a range of 165 nautical miles at 24 knots cruising.

www.cranchi.it

New Model: Tarquin Trader 42 Flybridge Version

The 42 has already proven herself to be the most successful Trader model in history, and this third variant increase the popularity by adding a sociable flybridge, commanding helm station and magnificent covered aft deck to the boat. One of the new Trader Generation II designs, the 42 has been designed to combine the very best of the traditional cruising motor yacht with the latest design and technological developments. Designed with Tony Castro naval architects, the 42 exhibits the new Trader styling language first seen on the magnificent 64 Sunliner. The new look is crisp, modern and elegant while retaining the distinctive Trader character. Utilizing modern production techniques at a new purpose-built factory, Trader are able to develop the 42 with a wide range of personalisation options allowing each owner to specify their craft to suit their particular needs. This new flybridge version is the latest presentation of the three available exterior body styles, which also include a choice of two or three cabins and alternatives for tender stowage.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.3 m (43.5ft)
Length - 13 m
Waterline Length - 11.2 m
Beam - 4.3 m
Displacement - 14.000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 1700 l
Water Capacity - 600 l
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB5.9 380hp, QSB5.9 425hp

www.tradermotoryachts.com

New Model: Fiart 4 Seven Genius

Fiart introduces a much waited new model, the 4 Seven Genius. Presented last week during the Genoa show, where a year ago it was announced as a project, this was a much anticipated model from the Naples builder, renowned for the sea keeping, quality construction, and practicality of its boats aimed for those who enjoy there boats in the Mediterranean. The new 4 Seven continues to upgrade the prime Genius line, introduced in the early nineteen nineties, and today starts from a 28 model up to the flagship, 50 Top Style. With its carbon finished hard top, as seen on the 50 Top Style, and flash deck the new Four Seven immediately characterizes itself as a Fiart. The aft deck cockpit is spacious and airy this being another trademark of the Italian builder. Below accommodation is for a traditional family layout with three spacious cabins, offering 7 berths. Engines are twin IPS 600 of 435 hp each, so far speeds have not been announced, but with not a so heavy displacement of 13 t, imagine a top speed in middle thirty knots range. The new 4 Seven Genius is also the latest in construction technology, thanks to vacuum infusion used for the hull and deck, and a carbon fibre hard top.

Technical Data:

LOA - 14.65 m (48ft) Length - 14.33 m

Beam - 4.35 m

Displacement - 13 t

Fuel Capacity - 1200 l

Water Capacity - 500 l

Max Persons - 14

Berths - 7

Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS600 435hp

Construction Materials - fiberglass, carbon, epoxy

Certification - CE B

www.fiart.com