Class 1 - 2009 Season Preview

Teams and competitors in the UIM-WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship are poised to renew rivalries in the Qatar Marine Festival Grand Prix on Saturday, 25 April the first race of the season and the eleventh race to be held in the Qatari Capital City of Doha in eight years.

Victory want a first Grand Slam, Qatar want a first World title and all their rivals want a piece of the action. Class 1 looks set for a captivating and possibly unpredictable season.

Ten boats will line up for the 21-lap, 96.45Nm Qatar Marine Festival Grand Prix; but with the introduction of new rules governing the use of electronics, limited propeller choice, new teams and a handful of untried driver-pairings, the outcome of the season-opener is hard to predict.

Dubai’s Victory Team, the defending World, Middle East and Edox Pole Position Champions, will start amongst the favourites for race honours and have rolled out three World Champions as they launch their bid to retain their crowns and hunt down a fourth win in Qatari waters as they aim for that elusive grand slam of all four titles in a season only ever achieved by Spirit of Norway in 2003, and described by Victory’s General Manager, Gianfranco Venturelli, as ‘mission impossible’. Defending Champion, Nadir Bin Hendi, is joined in last year’s winning boat now named Fazza 3 by the 2007 World and European Champion, Arif Al Zafeen, and will be looking to repeat their 2008 win in Doha, whilst his former partner, Jean-Marc Sanchez, is once again called on by the team’s hierarchy to draw on all his experience and steer another rookie Mohammad Al Mehairi through his first season, running in Victory 1.

The Qatar Team pose the greatest threat to Victory’s aspirations and Sheikh Hassan Bin Jabor Al-Thani is in absolutely no doubt that his team can win the World title and can kick-start their season-long campaign with a win on home waters. Sheikh Hassan, still looking for his first win in Doha, again lines up with former World Champion Steve Curtis a five-times winner in Qatar and will more than likely run the repaired and modified Qatar 96 with Skema V12s, whilst team-mates Matteo Nicolini and Abdullah Al-Sulaiti, who still hold the in-house bragging rights after taking the team’s only win in 2008 and fancy their chances of title glory this season, line up in the Sterling V8-powered Qatar 95, with Al-Sulaiti looking for his second win in front of a partisan crowd.

The bid to oust the sport’s two titans and upset the form book, is headed by the defending European Champion, Jorn Tandberg, who reforms his winning partnership with fellow Norwegian, Christian Zaborowski, running the Mercury-Class 1, V8-powered scarlet MTI, Welmax.

Maritimo Australia is the third team fielding a two-boat line-up and will be hoping to repeat the success that team owner, Bill Barry-Cotter and Peter McGrath enjoyed in Doha, when they took their maiden Class 1 win at the first Grand Prix held in Qatar in 2002. Twenty-one-year-old, Tom Barry-Cotter and Pal Virik Nilsen form the youngest partnership in Class 1, but can boast the most races and cockpit time together of any driver-throttleman combination in the Championship, and will run their new hull, Maritimo 11, with the straight-talking New Zealander, Peter McGrath, joined by Italian, Giorgio Manuzzi, in Maritimo 12, the boat the team debuted in Dubai last season both outfits opting to run Maritimo Performance V8 power-plants.

Throughout the fleet, new driver-combinations dominate, adding to the unpredictability of the race outcome; throttleman, Giampaolo Montavoci and Francesco Pansini, back racing in Class 1 after a 13-year absence, team up for the first time in Foresti & Suardi- Roscioli Hotels.

Nicola Giorgi, who grabbed his first Class 1 podium in the penultimate race in Dubai last year, will be looking to build on that success and is joined in the Giorgi V12-powered Giorgioffshore by the team’s test-driver Riccardo Calugi, making his Class 1 debut, with the experienced Giovanni Carpitella partnering relative newcomer, Mohammed Abdelkader Ahmed, in Spirit of Spain in which Carpitella raced last year, taking an impressive fourth in the final race of the season.

The Qatar Marine Festival Grand Prix weekend kicks off with a two-hour official practice session on Thursday afternoon (23 April), followed by a second practice session on Friday morning ahead of the Edox Pole Position official qualifying session in the afternoon. A final practice session on Saturday morning precedes the 96.45Nm Qatar Marine Festival Grand Prix, run on the notoriously tricky Doha Bay circuit which has seen some spectacular racing and incidents over the years consisting of one 5.15Nm start lap, 18 race laps of 4.5Nm and two compulsory 5.15Nm long laps.

www.class-1.com

New Model: Riviera 51 Enclosed Flybridge Series II

The Riviera 51 Enclosed Flybridge gets upgraded throughout in the newly launched Series II model. The new series II gets upgraded all with changes in the aft, stairs which lead to the flybridge, cabins, heads galley and improved finishing throughout. For example both the master and forward guest staterooms queen double beds are larger for greater comfort and all the lockers have a new freshness with cedar timber lining. The bathrooms have also undergone a transformation with the use of Amtico timber veneer flooring, solid surface benchtops with a porcelain basins and satin chrome shower poles. All the joinery in the saloon has a fresh new look and there is even a gloss timber surround to the recessed grabrail in the headliner. Speakers for the Bose entertainment system are now recessed in a pelmet on either side of the saloon. The lounge now has also a double bed hidden away underneath with electric controls. In the galley, you will notice the new induction cooktop and flush benchtops while access to the storage space below has been improved. The most striking and visible feature of the new 51 Series II is sure the awning window and stainless steel door aft of the saloon leading to the cockpit, with this opening up to connect the saloon with the cockpit. Even the stairs to the flybridge have been improved with non-skid treads and even better hand rails.
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.7 m (58.2ft)
Hull Length - 16.6 m
Beam - 4.93 m
Draft - 1.38 m
Weight - 21,800 kg
Fuel Capacity - 2700 l
Water Capacity - 860 l
Accommodation - 6 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Cat 715hp

www.riviera.com.au

Improve-it = Benetti 85 Legend

Benetti, in collaboration with the Research and Development Centre of the Azimut-Benetti Group, based in Varazze, founded in order to give scientific support and boost the know how level of the single brands, developed its first hybrid electrical diesel propulsion. The study of the diesel-electrical propulsion, within the group, started ten years ago with the planning and designing of the M/Y FB231 Ambrosia, launched in 2005, and equipped with the azimuth propulsion. These particularly encouraging results drove the Group to extend its research and the consequent applications onto the smaller boats of the range, choosing however to privilege the displacing yacht segment which, due to the technical characteristics, combines well with this type of propulsion. The pioneer this time is the smallest line of the fleet, the Benetti 85, which, compared to Ambrosia, requires an alternative due to its technical characteristics. Indeed in this case the electrical diesel propulsion is not suggested as a sole solution, but it is placed together with the traditional one in a hybrid system. The primary intention is that of equipping the yacht with an additional and alternative propulsion system compared to the main one which increases the comfort on board as regards to the traditional propulsion. The speed range obtainable with the electrical propulsion varies from 5 to 10 knots, based on the electrical power of the diesel generators available on board. The Hybrid electrical diesel system includes the use of the same components of the traditional propulsion to which we have added electrical motors with permanent magnets and relative "inverters" frequency converters, which, connected to a controlling system, govern the shafting with the main diesel motors being disconnected. The numerous advantages that have been obtained are measurable: reduction in noise, less vibrations on board, and an important percentage in the saving of consumption equal to 40%. A positive environmental impact due to the reduction of emissions into the atmosphere. The commitment undertaken about ten years ago today has led to the creation of a product that can be applied to the entire Benetti range with the possibility of integrating other innovations that the Group is developing for the future, such as the replacement of one of the two electrical generators with a fuel cell generator in order to increase comfort further and reduce the environmental impact. It is currently possible to temporarily install batteries in order to obtain the same effect as the Fuel Cell yet obviously with considerably reduced endurance. The new hybrid electrical diesel propulsion system which is applied onto the Benetti 85 does not only enable to offer concrete advantages in the direction of a Green Yacht but paves the way towards continuous and future developments.

www.benettiyachts.it

Projects: Shearline 52 Sportfish, Shearline 57 Sportfish

North Carolina custom boat builder Shearline, after having a taste of big boat building with its 2008 launched 61 Sportfish fully custom flagship, built in cold molding gives more of this to its estimated clientele. In fact the year 2009 will see Shearline commissioning two new Sportfish yachts builds going over the fifty feet barrier. The first of this is the Shearline 52 Sportfish, representing similar Carolina lines to the bigger flagship, but in an eight feet smaller package. The 57 Sportfish is the second project from Shearline, and is built to custom order as all the fourteen boat range from 18 up to 61 feet from this US East Coast builder. The 57 Sportfish represents another important step for big custom boat building recognition and more future ambitions as started last year with the launching of the 61 feet flagship. As all the Shearline range, the 57 is also built using cold molding construction technique, meaning a lighter and stronger build method, but also a time tiring method only good for passionate and custom builders. I imagine both the new Shealines to be pretty fast but so far not much details are provided. Still these are all custom builds and many changes can be made in design stages to accommodate ones taste, think of it this way the 61, did 45 knots with not so big engines for its category. So accept something along these lines from the new two big Shearlines both to be launched later on this year.

www.shearlineboatworks.com

New Model: Rio 36 Air

Presented for the first time at the recent Naples boat show, is the new Rio 36 Air, hard top version for the Art of the same size presented in Genoa in the fall of 2008. The North Italian builder praises its new 36 feet hard top as the best offer for its size in the European market. As its twin, open sporty 36 Art example, the new Air hard top model follows on the winning design of its sister, offering a much desired full beam owners cabin in only eleven metres. As Rio says both these models share little with the competition apart the size and propulsion, the rest is a surprise to discover. Everything else has no comparison. The look awards the Rio typical visual aspect of a bigger looking sport cruiser then its real size inside and outside. In fact the 36 Air surprises for its sports line, but still offering open livable spaces, an impressive wide cockpit, hydraulic controlled table, chaise lounge, and a dual helm seated helm station with a minimal essential dashboard offering an ample control panel. Best of solutions and thinking for the people onboard comes from the electric shifting hard top which extends up to the stern to protect the dining area if necessary, a very intelligent solution in this size.

Technical Data:

LOA - 11.14 m (36.5ft)

Beam - 3.65 m

Drat - 0.64 m

Displacement - 6990 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 780 l

Water Capacity - 120 l

Max Persons - 12

Accommodation - 4 + 2

Engines - 2 x Mercruiser 4.2ES 270hp, 4.2ES 320hp

Propulsion - sterndrive Mercruiser Bravo III double prop

Speed - 37 knots max, 26 knots cruise with 320hp

Range - 306 nautical miles, 11.8 hours

www.rioyachts.net

Project: Master Yacht 60

Master Yacht 60 is the second project from this company founded in 1999 and starting to build boats in 2005, launching its first 52 feet model in 2006. This is an interesting second offer from this North Italian builder following the 52 bit of traditional looks outside, with high versatility in its interior planning, as well as the engine choices being among its strongest points. Hard top Sports Yachts are a lot to come by, so Master Yacht 60 wants to offer something different in a crowded and super competitive market with some distinctive features from the competition like two layout choice interior, and wide engine and propulsion choices. The interior for example comes out with a standard 3 cabin lower deck galley layout, but if one navigates with more guests a 4 cabin all en-suite with a galley up optional version is available. Surely but the most interesting feature for the new Master Yacht 60 comes from eight engine and propulsion choices. For those desiring the traditional shaft lines, the Master Yacht 60 comes with a vee drive set up and five engine offer starting from the smaller rated twin Yanmar 720hp up to MAN V12-1360hp. For the pod lovers Master Yacht offers three options, a triple or quadruple Volvo IPS600 choice, with IPS500 offered in a four engine format only. The first Master Yacht 52 was all about offering various choices to the owner, and with the 60 this Italian firm made clever lesson to keep and expand a similar format for its new bigger upcoming Sport Yacht.

www.masteryacht.it

Improve-it = Galeon 390 HT

Galeon improves the 390 HT just as it did on the 530 HT with a Wenge Line new interior style. Wenge is an exotic tropical hard wood from Africa, dark brown almost black with tan lines. The Wenge furniture on the Galeon is veneer meaning a sheet of natural wood adhered to natural density fibreboard. Along the renowned and much famous dark natural wood, the 390 Hard Top has also been improved with new quality elements like stainless steel, huge glass sliding doors and white leather upholstery. To accentuate also the dark tonality of the woods the walls are plastered with a silver fabric lit with LED lights. This new distinctive look is a modern departure to other more classical styles like cherry wood or mahogany interiors, and should distinct the client who prefers the latest style in the interior of his Sport Yacht.

www.galeon.pl

Project: Italian Yachts 72 Jaguar

Design, a sporty, stylish, powerful and comfortable Sport Yacht. These are the characteristics Italian Yachts asked to architect Roberto Angel for the project of the 72 Jaguar. Based on the philosophy of a high performance hull, four possible power options are available from the smaller 1500hp up to 1800hp twin MTU engines, and Arneson or Sea Rex surface drives. Roberto Angel transformed the requested philosophy into simple geometric shapes that enhance the aerodynamics of the deckhouse, while at the same time not staying away from the Jaguar open tradition. The Jaguar 72 project maintains a family feeling in a new emphasis on the sporty soul of the Italian Yachts brand. Exterior lines are clean and essential with large elliptical windows favoring plenty of natural light into interior spaces. Lateral side passageways favor continuity fore to aft of the deck, enabling the perception of a uniform outer environment. Forward, is a solution that is more unique than original, a central sunpad and modular seating to accommodate numerous guests. As on the 80 Jaguar, the 72 first presented as a 70 feet project maintains a sober style, with a uniform look seen trough the Italian Yachts range following a great care for quality and finishing of the complete product.

www.italianyachts.it

Engine: Lugger L6125H 470hp

Northern Lights, a globally recognized manufacturer of marine diesel generator sets and Lugger diesel engines, is pleased to introduce their newest propulsion solution the L6125H diesel engine, featuring an electronically-controlled high-pressure common-rail (HPCR) fuel system. The L6125H is based on the time-tested reliability of the heavy-duty Komatsu industrial engineblock, and is custom marinized by the Northern Lights engineering team, whose five decades of experience are well known to mariners across the globe. The L6125H reaches a high output rating of 470 hp at a modest 2300 rpm. Designed to be durable, reliable and efficient, the L6125H boasts an attractive power-to-weight ratio of 4.8 lbs./hp. Fuel economy and fuel system efficiency are maximized by the HPCR fuel delivery system, which maximizes atomization of the fuel delivered into the cylinder, ensuring amore complete combustion.

www.northern-lights.com

New Model: Fairline 65 Squadron

Fairline is preparing for the launch of its all new 65 Squadron later this spring. The first Squadron 65 departed the company’s Nene Valley factory in Oundle, Northamptonshire on Monday 6th April 2009 making the 100 mile road journey to Fairline’s testing facility in Ipswich, where she will undergo extensive tests to ensure the highest quality standards throughout. The 65 Squadron is destined for customer delivery in May, following commissioning and intensive sea trials with Fairline as well as the press in the Solent with specialist marine journalists. A second 65 Squadron is already in production and will make her first show debut at the Cannes and Southampton Boat Show, both taking place in September. The 65 foot motor yacht is the latest addition to Fairline's Squadron flybridge marque. Key features of the newest Squadron include four luxuriously appointed cabins and a single-level flat floor that extends from the saloon through to the dinette and galley area, providing an exceptional feeling of spaciousness. The expansive exterior accommodation of the flybridge includes dedicated dining seating and sunbathing areas as well as a comprehensive bar area with refrigerator, icemaker, sink and BBQ griddle. Her anticipated top speed is 34 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.41 m (67ft)
Hull Length - 18.48 m
Beam - 5.24 m
Draft - 1.37 m unloaded
Weight - 29.53 t
Fuel Capacity - 3542 l
Water Capacity - 1140 l
Accommodation - 6 - 8 berths
Engines - 2 x Cats C18 1015hp, MAN V10 1100hp
Speed - 35 knots max with MAN 1100hp, 34 knots with Cats C18

www.fairline.com