Powerboat P1 - Malta GP SNAV OSG Seagull Chaudron Win

While the traditionally rough waters surrounding Malta never materialized, the Powerboat P1 season opening Malta Grand Prix of the Sea still provided exciting offshore racing and saw seasoned veterans capture the checkered flag in both Evolution and SuperSport classes, and an impressive showing for American boat and engine manufacturers.

Saturday's Sprint Race and Sunday's Endurance Race culminated in a Grand Prix Evolution victory for the Italian #88 SNAV OSG, a Mercury Racing powered Outerlimits and a SuperSport win for the Italian 43 Seagull Chaudron, the Maltese made hull powered by Ilmor Performance Marine engines. All this after a number of penalty situations which can only be attributed to first race weekend jitters by those involved. Following an impressive Evolution win on Saturday, The Italian #10 Cigarette Smash Poker jumped to an early lead on Sunday, only to see the race end after a violent spin out in the fourth lap that filled the engine compartment with water. The American #77 Lucas Oil/Budweiser, a Chief-powered Outerlimits moved into the lead, but unbeknownst to them, broke a water pick-up line that started filling their bilge. As the water rose, the boat slowed, allowing Saturday's third-place finisher SNAV/OSG to move into first, and ultimately take the checkered flag, followed by Britain's #47 Silverline, a Sterling-powered Buzzi, and the #77. In the end, Lucas Oil/Budweiser and Silverline had a second and third place podium appearance for the Grand Prix. In SuperSport action, Team 26 Racing, following impressive wildcard finishes in 2008, picked through the pack on Saturday, moving from 7th place to second, and finishing first following speed limit penalties imposed on both the #38 Baia Atollini and #43 Seagull Chaudron. On Sunday, Seagull Chaudron, and the #44 Iko Case, another Chaudron hull with the female team of Shelly Jory and Adrienne Ciantar, whose family manufacturers the Chaudron hull and whose brother Aaron pilots the Seagull, left the pack at the green flag, but could not hold on as Team 26 made an move on the outside at the mid-way point in the race and never looked back. Team 26 was followed across the finish line by Seagull/Chaudron and Baia Atollini, a Donzi/Mercury package. However, the rookie team of Daniel Cramphorn and Kim Collins fell victims to the same rule that moved them up on Saturday and were penalized four minutes for violating the speed limit. After penalties, the endurance race win to Seagull Chaudron, with Baia Atonelli finishing second and the ladies of Iko Case taking third.

After all the sorting out was completed, the Supersport Grand Prix of the Sea ultimately went to Seagull Chaudron, with Baia Atollini taking second and Team 26 Racing finishing third. The World class racing of the Powerboat P1 Championship next move is to the historic new venue of Istanbul, Turkey, June 19-21 before moving on to Sweden, Italy and Bahrain. Additional good news for P1 also came during the opening race confirming San Benedetto del Tronto for the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea on the 3 to 5 July, and if the racing in September in Sicily will be confirmed this will make it for 12 total races in six different venues for the 2009 season, hoping this serves to encourage more teams to participate in both classes.

www.powerboatp1.com

New Model: Estensi 500 Goldstar C

Estensi new 500 Goldstar C is another of the new models unveiled by this Italian builder during the Genoa Show. Second large in the more C for classic Goldstar lobster yacht line up, the new 500 Estensi just crosses the border to enter yacht territory, and is also fourth largest model from this quality appreciated Italian boat builder. As told in the project preview of the same model before its launch last year, the 500 Goldstar C shares much in common with the more modern looking 480 Goldstar S, like the ever important hull shape, and also the interior layout offering in fact an identical three cabin two head layout, with a crew cabin with head. The main difference is basically for the classic looks of the upper structure, the patio door in this case more traditional with wooden inserts, and the stern is also a squarish affair again calling to the past times. The squarish stern solution also gives a major cockpit space compared to the slightly smaller 480 Goldstar S, and the bathing platform is also more detached although still being an integrated design in its traditional ways. Power is from a standard option of twin 550hp, with performance data so far not being communicated.

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.2 m (49.8ft)

Hull length - 14.85 m

Waterline length - 12.8 m

Beam - 4.5 m

Displacement - 19900 kg full load, 16000 kg empty

Fuel Capacity - 2000 l

Water Capacity - 800 l

Max Persons - 12

Engines - 2 x 550hp

Designer - Maurizio Zuccheri

Certification - CE A

www.cantieriestensi.it

Powerboat P1 - Malta GP Endurance Race

Maltese hero Aaron Ciantar was the hero of Valletta on Sunday night after the 43 Seagull Chaudron hull triumphed in Sunday’s second round Endurance Race to earn the new Ukranian Spirit Team its first Grand Prix of the Sea trophy. Cheered on by a great number of local fans, the pair continued their dominance of the SuperSport Class following Team 26 Racing’s four-minute penalty for over-speeding. The raw British pair of Daniel Cramphorn and Kim Collins were inconsolable at the post-race presentation having to look up to the home favorites instead of celebrating a debut Grand Prix series win. Benefiting from Team 26 Racing’s over-eagerness on lap four (twice) and lap six, 38 Baia Attolini were promoted to second spot in the race and ultimately in the overall standings. Aaron’s sister and co-pilot Shelley Jory took the bronze medal in the Endurance race, in their 44 Iko Casa P1’s first all girl team.

In the Evolution class 88 SNAV OSG proved to be the model of consistency as the crew of Giancarlo Cangiano and Hannes Bohinc claimed the Endurance race honors. Profiting from 10 Cigarette Smash Poker’s third lap retirement, courtesy of the Italian team’s crazy spin-out at the East end of the course, SNAV OSG romped home ahead of 47 Silverline and mid-race pacesetters, 77 Lucas Oil Budweiser, even affording the unusual luxury of dropping their speed to around 70mph with two laps to go, safe in the knowledge that victory was assured. Engine problems meant 66 Cranefield Wines failed to make the starting line whilst the 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 did not race also today after Friday’s incident in practice.

SuperSport Endurance Race Classified Results:
1. #43 Seagull Chaudron 1:04:40.70
2. #38 Baia Attolini 1:05:44.27 includes 1:00 penalty
3. #44 Iko Casa 1:05:49.43
4. #22 Big Sergio 1:07:11.14
5. #17 MasForce 1:08:03.89
6. #26 Team 26 Racing 1:08:14.19 includes 4:00 penalty
7. #28 Blue Shaft 59:06.10 retired after 10 laps

Evolution Endurance Race Classified Results:
1. #88 SNAV OSG 1:00:25.15
2. #47 Silverline 1:04:47.00
3. #77 Lucas Oil Budweiser NO TIME retired after 11 laps
4. #10 Cigarette Smash Poker RETIRED after 3 laps
5. #66 Cranefield Wines DID NOT START

www.powerboatp1.com

Powerboat P1 - Malta GP Sprint Race

It was the opening race of the 2009 Powerboat P1 Season, and the eight months of waiting could have not been more gratifying for the millions of fans of this motor sports. First lets start with the winner of today's race in Malta which was of super domination in the Evolution Class, by the 10 The Fantastic 1, and full of surprises in Supersport with 26 Team 26 Racing finding themselves in first thanks to a four minute penalty handed to 38 Baia Attolini. The Evolution Race really finished as it started, with the 10 The Fantastic 1 looking more like doing a race with its own. Thinking that yesterday they did not even participate to the Power Pole because of problems to one of the engines all what was shown by Cigarette Racing Team Europe was impressive. In second 77 Lucas Oil did a good performance following there same place at the super pole yesterday. Nigel Hook Racing looked close to offer a fight in the early stages of the race with the winning number 10 boat, but the speed of the Cigarette was over whelming. 88 SNAV OSG settled third, 47 Silverline fourth, and 66 Cranefields Wine placing fifth. As expected the damaged 53 Metamarine Corse Pignolo 53 did not participate after yesterday accident during sea trials. Supersport Class, was back again to competitive edged racing. There was some nice racing here, with the first half of the race having a tight fight for first place between 38 Baia Attolini and 43 Seagull Chaudron. Still impressing and racing as if there is no tomorrow and climbing up four places was the new 2009 entry 26 Team 26 Racing who running its first lap as fourth ended up in second place, and lastly a four minute three time speeding penalty to 38 Baia Attolini gave them the first place. To appreciate the comeback of Team 26 Racing one has to see the racing. Big disappointment for sure to the 38 Baia Attolini after defending a number of attacks from the the 2008 Championship winners in 43 Seagull Chaudron and finishing officially in fourth place, after receiving over speeding penalties. The penalty to the Baia Attolini team gave to the 2008 title winners with the new 43 Seagull Chaudron second place after ending the race in third. Same story for 17 Mas Force Spirit of Belgium who will sure be happy of there third place. Also a 4:30 of penalty to the 2007 and 2008 title winning Racing Project 44 Iko Casa now all female driven boat, which put them back to only one step in fifth position. Team Al & AL Racing two boat entry finished both at the end of the line up with a retirement for the old 22 Big Sergio boat and a fifth place to the new 28 Blue Shaft.
Evolution Sprint Race Classified Results
1. #10 Cigarette Smash Poker 34:02.00
2. #77 Lucas Oil Budweiser 34:44.00
3. #88 SNAV OSG 35:14.94
4. #47 Silverline 35:08.23
5. #66 Cranefield Wines 35:26.75

SuperSport Sprint Race Classified Results
1. #26 Team 26 Racing 37:20.65
2. #43 Seagull Chaudron 37:25.98
3. #17 MasForce 38:57.98
4. #38 Baia Attolini 41:09.00 includes 4:00 penalty
5. #44 Ikocasa 43:49.00 includes 5:30 penalty
6. #28 Blue Shaft 38:50.33 retired after 9 laps
7. #22 Big Sergio RETIRED

www.powerboatp1.com

Powerboat P1 - Malta GP Power Pole Metamarine Accident

The Powerboat P1 season get going with the first Power Pole in Malta with 43 Seagull claiming the SuperSport timing and 88 SNAV OSG taking Evolution honours, but the talking at the pits where all dedicated to the incident involving the 53 Metamarine Pignolo boat during sea test just half an hour before the official start.
Metamarine was involved according to testimonies in a 360 spin out while going out from Valletta's Grand Harbour, and later on at a slow speed went on to hit the harbours break water. Both drivers at the helm Marco Pennessi and Max Ferrari where taken to hospital, one suffering from slight and the other from grievous injuries, but both stable and comfortable after the accident. The boat according to Metamarine stuff suffered non mechanical damage with hull, propellers and rudders looking good, but the topsides mostly the engine hatch and closed cockpit wind shield showed all signs with the impact to the water.
 In Supersport the domination of the Chaudrons seem to continue with both the new 43 Seagull and double title winner Racing Project 44 Ikocasa taking one and two. Third place for 38 Baia Attolini who are over eight seconds late from the 2008 title winning drivers and there new boat, sister to the 2008 and 2007 winning hull but powered with new Ilmor engines. 17 Mas Force with renowned and longer boat in the Supersport fleet 43 Nortech boat came fourth. Team Al&Al will feel a disappointment pinch with there new Blue Shaft placing sixth, and the old no.28 Big Sergio fifth. Lastly British Wreckless Team 26 did also a fine job placing initially fourth, but a miss to a pole put them in last place. We spoke to Kim Collins the team driver who told us after competing as a wild card in Vigo in 2008, wants to make all his best to win as much as he can for the first full season. Kim Collins also explained Team 26 important project racing in this season with a Donzi 38 ZR, but also a plan for a new boat in the future. Still Team 26 managed to compete just in time as two hoses where managed to be fixed before the start of the pole.
In Evolution team OSG seems to want a repeat of its previous successes in Malta, by taking the Powerpole for close to two seconds from the other new Outerlimits Lucas Oil boat. Worth to note that Team OSG won the 2007 and 2008 Malta Grand Prix. 47 Silverline making the step from Supersport to Evolution will be happy of there third place, and Cranefields Wine missed completely the buoy during the run up therefore losing time and placing last from the competing boats. Cigarette Smash Poker did not start after having trouble with one engine during the sea trials.
OFFICIAL TIMINGS:
SuperSport
1. #43 Seagull 03:27.92
2. #44 Ikocasa 03:31.00
3. #38 Baia-Attolini 03:36.64
4. #17 MasForce 03:42.14
5. #22 Big Sergio 03:51.55
6. #28 Blue Shaft 04:36.81
7. #26 Wreckless 03:42.14 *missed pole 
Evolution
1. #88 SNAV OSG 03:02.88
2. #77 Lucas Oil Budweiser 03:04.68
3. #47 Silverline 03:22.45
4. #66 Cranefields Wine 04:42.45
5. #10 Cigarette Smash Poker Did not start
6. #53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 Did not start

www.powerboatp1.com

New Model: Sea Ray 310 Sundancer

Sea Ray presents the 310 Sundancer, the new express cruiser from this renowned US builder. Like other Sundancers, the new 310 offers a raised helm design enhancing visibility but also creating more room below for overnight accommodations. The helm seat can also pivot to face aft, expanding cockpit entertaining space. The cockpit offers also lots of additional seating to go around on the L-shaped lounger to port, which is served by a removable teak cockpit table, and abaft the helm seat we find a solid-surface wet bar with sink, drink holders, handrail, storage and can also be added with optional refrigerator and built-in barbecue grill. Designing dual purpose seating has long been a Sea Ray talent, and in addition to the pivoting helm bench, the cockpit lounger on the 310 also folds down to make a sun pad. Clearly, the new 310 is a boat that is meant to provide comfortable cruising! A wide, deep stairway leads to the cabin accommodation below which offers six berths. Two in the forward V-berth, two in the mid-cabin and two on the convertible dinette sleeper. A well sized galley offers a solid-surface counter top, microwave, refrigerator and stove. Engine options are multiple petrol gas to diesel stern drives
Technical Data:

LOA - 9.45 m (31ft)
Beam - 3.05 m
Draft - 1.04 m
Weight - 5275 kg
Fuel Capacity - 573 l
Water Capacity - 106 l
Hull - Vee shape with 21 degrees dead rise

www.searay.com

Powerboat P1 - Malta, Valletta Preview

The Malta Grand Prix returns to be the opening round of the Powerboat P1 Season. This is the sixth season for the Malta race, having started to take place in 2004 and has to become one of the race legends in this series.

Malta has also an important footprint in this series having the honour of building the Supersport boat winner of the championship in both the 2007 and 2008 seasons the Chaudron 41. Maltese Arron Chiantar who is son of Charlie Chiantar, Chaudron founder and owner was also at the steering of the 2008 winning boat. This year the local Chaudron will have again two racing boats lined up for the season but both being a 41 footer with the difference in engines. The 44 Racing Project Chaudron winning boat of 2007 and 2008 will be driven by all females Audrien sister of Arron at the throttles and Shelley Jory taking the wheel. On the other hand the winning team of 2008 will move to a new sister hull to there unstoppable boat on the exterior but a new Ilmor engine package. It will be interesting to see how this develops.

In Supersport a total of seven teams will compete. Team Al & Al from Italy presents two running boats one of new construction no. 28 and the old and reliable Big Sergio no.22. Other interesting to see will be the no.17 US built Nortech with Russian Team of Flanders. Baia High Performance will continue with the 2008 package. A new team to watch is Team 26 with Wreckless which is the only UK running in this class.

The Evolution Class will also have seven boats taking part. With the teams eager to follow where they left in 2008 being the second placed Metamarine 53, and third place 88 SNAV OSG. Other to watch will be the Cigarette no.10 The Fantastic One, and Centurian Yachts join hands with the winning 2007 and 2008 Fountain Powerboats to follow a winning package. 47 Silverline from Team Bullet Racing will also make its step to this grand class after competing in the past in Supersport.

So far the schedule does not clarify if racing for both Classes is separated. Racing is far scheduled on 1400 hours on both Saturday and Sunday for the Round one and Round two race. We hope for this to still be the case as it makes for a better viewing and understanding of the race. The spectacular Powerpole is scheduled for Friday at 1530.

www.powerboatp1.com

New Model: Formula 290 Sun Sport

A waited debut from Formula is the new 290 Sun Sport emboding a heritage of proven performance while embracing evolution of design with the 22° deadrise deep vee remaining the standard bottom ensuring solid handling in difficult water conditions. Formula 290 Sun Sport wants to offer the maximum of family fun in the sun with a nine foot beam giving spacious spaces outside and inside. The outside cockpit spaces offers dual individual adjustable helm seat for secure comfort for the captain and first mate, while aft we have the L-shaped lounge aft or the port side lounge, and an aft-facing sun lounge cleverly converts to a double-wide sunpad. The dual-height cockpit table can be set in the up position for snacks or a card game, or lowered to expand the U-shaped lounge into a large sunpad with the filler cushions. There is also an integrated wetbar with countertop, sink, trash container and available stainless-front refrigerator. Down below accommodation is a friendly environment finished with luxurious cherry wood grain finish and offering a vee shaped berth with central table, an entertainment center, and a private head compartment. Formula 290 Sun Sport can be customized with an extensive variety of available options, Imron graphic, décor selections, and wide engine choices from MerCruiser and Volvo which offer a range of power and speed to suit every boater.
Technical Data:
LOA - 8.84 m (29ft)
Beam - 2.74 m
Draft - 1.02 m
Displacement - 4060 kg
Fuel Capacity - 416 l
Water Capacity - 76 l
Engines - 2 x Volvo 5.7 GI, 5.7 GXI, Mercruiser 350 Mag, 377 Mag
Propulsion - Volvo DP stern drive, Mercruiser Bravo Three
Hull Shape - deep vee 22 degrees dead rise aft

www.formulaboats.com

Project: Menorquin MY 120

Menorquin presents the project of the new MY 120 model which the shipyard is launching at the Palma Boat Show. The new Menorquin MY 120 offers unprecedented habitability in its size and style thanks to an interior design distribution which offer accommodation for up to seven guests. Interior wise the MY 120 has two cabins. A master cabin located in the bow fitted with a double berth, and a guest cabin in the stern starboard side which is very versatile, providing various options like two single berths or one single or a double berth. This all comes to fruit thanks to the lower berth extension which converts into a double. The dinette located at port side also converts into an extra double bed, further increasing sleeping accommodation. The lower deck layout continues with the fully equipped galley located to port side, and a double access washroom found to starboard. An interesting feature for the new medium sized Menorquin is the passages dividing the areas and allowing each separate space to function independently, whilst at the same time enhancing features to this new boat. For example, the wheelhouse and the galley are connected by an opening through which daylight enters, and likewise the wheelhouse and the lower deck are connected by steps. The wheelhouse is extremely functional in its design; with ergonomic seating for two with space at the back for storing chairs. Adjacent to the helm is a generous chart table for organizing navigation comfortably. Menorquin with the MY 120 also continues to use woods traditional quality, by using it generously outside and inside highlighting its classic taste. www.menorquin.com

New Model: Maritimo A55 Aegean Flybridge

Maritimo launches its second boat in the Aegean Flybridge range, the A55 sharing a lot in common with its 60ft bigger sibling as well as hull lines with the Sports Cabriolets range. The Aegean A55 welcomes you on the main deck spacious cockpit with a sliding door leading to the saloon via the galley. The galley features all modern conveniences of home including a dishwasher, fridge freezer, cook top with oven and plenty of storage space for food, drinks and utensils. The main saloon features a lounge dining area for six on the port side and a further L-shaped lounge to starboard just behind the main helm station. Accommodation continues the similarities with the A60! The owners cabin with its private en-suite head is a full beam stateroom with trademark view windows in the hull providing natural light and spectacular views. Forward is the VIP double cabin with en suite access to the second head which also is fully equipped. To port and starboard are two bunk cabins with the starboard cabin also housing a washer/dryer. Back on the aft deck we find the external staircase giving access to the flybridge which features a central helm station, a big L-Shaped lounge to port, and another lounge to starboard. Maritimo also points out to the A55 Aegean Flybridge great performance, but also how economical it is to run with not so big twin Caterpillar C12 715hp diesels, giving a economical 25 knots cruise. While all this might be true it would have been nice from Maritimo to give some consumption and range figures to base this declaration. Worth to note is also that like the non flybridge C55 Sports Cabriolet which the A55 is based on, here we also find the tender garage, making it the smallest flybridge to offer this on the market today.

Technical Data:

LOA - 17.3 m (56.9ft)

Beam - 5.2 m

Draft - 1.3 m

Displacement - 22.6 t

Fuel Capacity - 3600 l

Water Capacity - 800 l

Accommodation - 6 or 8 berths

Engines - 2 x Cats C12 715hp

Speed - 25 knots cruising

www.maritimo.com.au