June 22, 2009

Powerboat P1 - Turkey GP Cigarette Smash Poker & All Ladies Iko Casa Take Honours

10 Cigarette Smash Poker and 43 Ikocasa have been declared as the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea winners in the SuperSport and Evolution classes respectively. The all-female crew of Shelley Jory and Audrien Ciantar in the Chaudron hull followed Saturday success in the Sprint race by claiming the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea title in SuperSport. Cigarette Smash Poker's victory in Sunday's Endurance race helped the Italian team of Luca Formilli Fendi and Matteo Nicolini take the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea in the Evolution class by one point from rivals 33 Furnibo.
Power Pole
77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits and 26 Team SW1 Capital took pole position, in the Evolution and SuperSport classes respectively, for the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea in Istanbul. Charging head-on into the ferocious Bosphorus current, Lucas Oil Outerlimits pipped the Cigarette Smash Poker hull by less than a second, powering their Chief engine up to speeds of 110mph to guarantee prime positioning for Saturday’s Sprint Race. Clocking a total time of 2:07,77 for their two laps, Lucas Oil Outerlimits pilot Nigel Hook was understandably delighted with the boats performance, erasing the disappointments of the Maltese Grand Prix of the Sea, where the American team’s boat was filling up with water towards the end of the Endurance Race. Equally as satisfied with their efforts after displeasing late drama in Valletta, Team SW1 Capital duo, Kim Collins and Dan Cramphorn, who snuck home in 2:41,01, were very pleased with their start to the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea. Finishing a mere 0.18 seconds ahead of Baia Attolini (2;41.19) in second and with only two seconds separating the top five teams in a closely fought SuperSport class Power Pole.
Evolution Race 3
77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits emerged victorious at the Sprint race at the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea. Driver Joe Sgro and throttleman Mike Fiore were forced to draw upon their countless years of powerboating experience to see off the brave challenge of the Belgian 33 Furnibo, who had threatened a major shock midway through the 10-lap race. A broken sensor prevented the 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 from starting the race while previous championship leaders 88 SNAV OSG were forced to retire during the first lap when the belt powering the superchargers snapped. It was at the front where excitement levels peaked as the Furnibo hull, comprising of Pierre Colpin and Frank Hemelaer came within a boat length of Lucas Oil Outerlimits. The assault on Messrs Fiore and Sgro ignited the Americans into action, eventually pulling away from the 2009 debutants. Upon taking the chequered flag, Lucas Oil Outerlimits secured the maximum 100 points on offer, moving them to the top of the world championship standings in the Evolution class.
Evolution Race 4
10 Cigarette Smash Poker re-ignited their Evolution championship ambitions after a comprehensive win in Sunday's Endurance race in Istanbul. The Italian duo of Luca Formilli Fendi and Matteo Nicolini led the 16-lap, 73-nautical mile race from start to finish to move them into second place in the overall championship standings above Lucas Oil Outerlimits. Pre-weekend leaders 88 SNAV OSG again failed to register a point as the boat remained in the wet pits after their mechanics were unable to repair the damage caused in Saturday's Sprint race. To cap a miserable day for the Outerlimits boats, 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits dropped off the pace when well-placed in second with an engine problem. Agonisingly for the American team of Joe Sgro and Nigel Hook, the boat was 100 yards from taking crucial championship points. The 33 Furnibo hull once again impressed with a second runners-up place, just under two minutes ahead of the 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53. Indeed, it was the first time Max Ferrari and Marco Pennesi completed a lap this year. Silverline's fourth position was enough to see the Buzzi boat take over as the fourth different leader in four rounds in the Evolution class standings.
Supersport Race 3
Shelley Jory and Audrien Ciantar became the first all-female winners in Powerboat P1 history after stealing victory in Saturday’s SuperSport Sprint Race at the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea in Istanbul. Racing the Chaudron-manufactured 44 Iko Casa hull, Powerboat P1’s first-ever ladies team triumphed at the expense of SuperSport World Champions, Angelo Tedeschi and Aaron Ciantar, following the 43 Seagull Chaudron team’s agonising last-lap overspeeding penalty, which saw them drop from first to fourth in the race standings. Championship rivals 38 Baia Attolini were promoted to runners-up with Belgian boat 17 Masforce celebrating their first podium of the season. However, Friday’s PowerPole pacesetters, 26 Team SW1 Capital, suffered a third-lap retirement after a drive shaft snapped.
Supersport Race 4
Team SW1 Capital wrote their own fairytale story in Istanbul on Sunday with victory in the SuperSport Class Endurance Race at the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea. Having crawled back to the dry pits after snapping a shaft during Saturday’s Sprint Race, Team SW1 Capital staged a miraculous 24-hour turnaround with driver Dan Cramphorn’s brother, Jamie, flying out the necessary spare part from London via Taunton, Somerset to Istanbul in time for emergency overnight repairs. A far happier throttleman, Kim Collins said the Team SW1 Capital duo must be either braver or more stupid than their rivals after romping home by a margin of 44 seconds.
Results
EVOLUTION CLASS SPRINT 
1 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits 00:33:17.97
2 33 Furnibo 00:33:41.16
3 10 Cigarette Smash Poker 00:34:03.77
4 47 Silverline 00:34:05.57 -1lap
5 66 Cranefields Wine 00:34:42.07 -1lap
6 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 DID NOT START
7 88 SNAV OSG RETIRED
EVOLUTION CLASS ENDURANCE 
1 10 Cigarette Smash Poker 00:54:47.75
2 33 Furnibo 00:55:49.19
3 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 00:57:40.25
4 47 Silverline 00:55:49.85 -1 lap
5 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits 00:55:53.70 -5 laps
6 66 Cranefields Wine RETIRED
7 88 SNAV OSG DID NOT START
SUPERSPORT CLASS SPRINT 
1 44 Iko Casa 00:36:35.25
2 38 Baia Attolini 00:37:15.52
3 17 MasForce 00:37:20.66
4 43 Seagull Chaudron 00:37:30.29 +1:00 Penalty Included
5 28 Blue Shaft 00:39:34.91
6 22 Big Sergio 00:37:52.34 DISQUALIFIED
7 26 Team SW1 Capital RETIRED
SUPERSPORT CLASS ENDURANCE 
1 26 Team SW1 Capital 01:00:17.59
2 43 Seagull Chaudron 01:01:01.98
3 38 Baia Attolini 01:02:01.98
4 44 Iko Casa 01:01:07.41 +1:00 Penalty Included
5 17 MasForce 01:02:45.39
6 22 Big Sergio 01:03:31.25
7 28 Blue Shaft 01:02:33.47 - 1lap

June 20, 2009

New Model: Cerri 102 Flyingsport

Cantieri Navali Cerri presents the much waited 102 Flyingsport, new flagship for the Tuscany Massa located builder. Natural design evolution on the looks department of the previous bigger model the successful 86 Flying Sport, the new flagship has been three years in the making and continues Cerri shipyard aim in building larger Super Sport Yachts. The 102 Flyingsport also follows Cerri's two important visions of innovation and personalization, both of which play an important element since the first model of a 28 feet sport cruiser was introduced in 1997, and taken to higher extremes when in 2004 the first 86 Flying Sport was delivered, proving a great success with the so far delivered eleven models. The new 102 flagship follows the concept of the previous bigger model, and as is the case for Cerri's smaller boats it is a tailor made built, with the only thing similar to the sister ships being the outside, and even here it is possible for some modifications as the buyer desires. The interior for the 102 Flyingsport shows it also to be among the most spacious yachts in its size and type, with five double guest cabins, all of impressive spaces and adding to this also a lower deck saloon. Other important notes are the performance with twin MTU 2400hp engines and Arneson Surface Drives ASD16L propulsion giving a max speed of 40 knots, and a continuous cruising of 36 knots. The innovative features which gave the 86 Flying Sport it success, are also repeated here like the second sporty do not disturb the line please flybridge helm, the forward deck entertaining area, and the upper saloon divided between dining and relaxing areas all in luxurious comfort. Yes these features have been copied by the competition but the customization of Cerri is something unique, and if you want prove just contact the shipyard and they will show you all the 86 Flying Sport models delivered which have all been different to the other.
Technical Data:
LOA - 31.1 m (101.8ft)
Beam - 7.20 m Draft - 1.40 m
Displacement - 80 t
Fuel Capacity - 10000 l
Water Capacity - 1800 l
Accommodation - 5 guest cabins 10 berths
Engines - 2 x MTU M93 16v 2400hp
Propulsion - Arneson ASD16L
Speed - 40 knots max, 36 knots cruising estimated
www.cerricantierinavali.it

June 19, 2009

Engine: Westerbeke 65A 68hp

Responding to the market interest in mid-size auxiliary sailboats and small displacement powerboats, Westerbeke has just introduced a new 68hp (50.7 kW) diesel engine, the Westerbeke 65A Four. This 4-cylinder, 3.3 liter, naturally-aspirated diesel runs at 2600-rpm yet produces a very impressive 163 lb/ft of torque at only 1400-rpm! Torque is the attribute of marine engines which most influences their ability to push non planing boats through water. Low engine speed also contributes to quiet operation, less vibration for more pleasant powering, and efficient use of fuel. It also reduces stress on engines, thus contributing to a longer service life. Westerbeke is renowned for all of these attributes and has received numerous awards for marine power innovations. The 65A Four is now in production and offered with standard 72 amp battery charging alternator, EZ-bleed fuel system, transmission oil cooler, fresh water lube oil cooler, over sized marine transmission with 1.88:1 reduction, domestic hot water connection, coolant recovery tank as well as low oil pressure and high coolant temperature alarms.

Project: Riviera 5000 Sport Yacht

Riviera, presents its next project the new 5000 Sport Yacht set to launch at the Sydney International Boat Show at the beginning of August. Powered by twin Cummins Mercruiser turbo diesel engines linked to the revolutionary Zeus pod drives, this new model builds on the extraordinary success of the Riviera 4700 Sport Yacht that won the AMIF Boat of the Year award in 2007. As well as the new propulsion system, the 5000 Sport Yacht is offered with an unprecedented range of options that will allow owners to configure the boat to their individual boating requirements. The new propulsion system offers easy manoeuvring in close quarters such as marinas as well as overall performance. Cummins Mercruiser Diesel claims up to 30 percent improved fuel economy as well as 15 percent faster cruise and top speeds over conventional drive units. The 5000SY is the fifth member of Riviera’s European-style Sport Yacht family and replaces the shaft drive 4700SY. The elegant 5000SY maintains and expands on the single-level lifestyle design of the Riviera Sport Yacht line, including an aft galley and stainless steel pillar less aft bulkhead door and fold-up awning window that open the saloon right out into the cockpit. The underwater profile of the Riviera 5000 Sport Yacht includes two Zeus drive units with aft-facing counter-rotating propellers and underwater exhausts mounted in tunnels that protect the pod drives from underwater debris. An advanced joystick control system for slow-speed manoeuvring can be operated with one hand and a single turn of the wrist; from sideways tracking to spinning on a pin, to precise speed control. Zeus also features Skyhook, a system that will maintain the vessel on a fixed heading within a tight area, even in strong currents and windy conditions. Continuing Riviera’s commitment to innovation, the 5000 Sport Yacht offers owners a range of options including two accommodation layouts and optional cockpit furniture. The accommodation options are the choice of three cabin and two bathroom design or two cabins and two bathrooms plus a below-deck lounge area. In the cockpit, owners can choose between a standard layout of a single long lounge across the transom with a long hi/low table or the option of an additional L-shaped aft-facing lounge in the forward quarter with a table, deleting the long table. Expansive panoramic windows and a huge electric sunroof in the saloon enhance the relaxed, refreshing and airy ambiance of this new model.

June 18, 2009

New Model: Paragon 31

Saturday, June 13 Paragon Yachts debuted the 31, latest new model from the Finnish boat builder which is part of Nimbus Group, The Paragon 31 made her official debut during the Volvo Ocean Race in Stockholm. During the race stop it served as official VRC Security Boat and was also moored and displayed at Skeppsbron. The boat is the second model in a generation of year round boats that build on the successful Paragon 25 concept. The Paragon 31 has good storage and a plan that provides spacious areas with room for the entire family and activities at sea. Paragon's philosophy, which was developed by Sakari Mattila, is based on a careful preliminary study, collaboration and development together with Search and Rescue, the Coast Guard, racers and professionals who work in demanding environments at sea. The boat has a pronounced v-hull, which provides great stability while maneuvering at high speeds and keeps fuel consumption down to about 1.8 liters per nautical mile with the D6-370 engine option. Maximum speed is about 38 knots. The 31 being the second model from Paragon follows the philosophy of the first model, being a boat for discerning owners and taking challenging conditions with pride and safety.
Technical Data:
LOA - 9.90 m (32.4ft)
Beam - 3.10 m
Draft - 0.95 m
Displacement - 4700 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 450 l
Water Capacity - 220 l
Max Persons - 8
Engine - 1 x Volvo D6 330hp, D6 370hp
Speed - 38 knots max, 34 knots cruising with D6 370hp
Hull Shape - vee shape with 24.5 degrees
Certification - CE B

Powerboat P1 - Turkey, Istanbul Preview

After 5 weeks since the start of the season in Malta, the Powerboat P1 circus gets into its second 2009 round the coming weekend in the cross cultured Asian European Istanbul, Turkey. Its been a long time coming for the teams especially those showing leading potential. The others who had a disappointing start surely have appreciated this break, and will hope to manage the right set up in order to achieve important points to fight for the title and worry the front runners.
In Evolution 10 Cigarette Smash Poker after doing some testing and modifications will want to show its super speed seen in both races in Malta, with only a spin and water ingress in the engine room during the second race managing to stop what appeared as the fastest boat during racing. Championship leaders Outerlimits boats, 88 SNAV OSG followed by the 77 Lucas Oil will surely have other plans for this. There is also two much expected showings. The first is the second placed from the 2008 season and only diesel boat for this year, 53 Metamarine Pignolo who after a crash during sea trials in Malta is set to prove itself. The rumours where that the time for pole for the 53 boat was four seconds better then the best registered. The other waited return is a Fountain boat 33 Furnibo, with this legendary US builder already taking two P1 Evolution titles in 2007 and 2008. This new Fountain boat is actually a bit longer versus the double title winner and will also have bigger engines with a stern drive set up. Both 47 Silverline, and 66 Cranefields Wine will surely be looking for that extra speed to worry the front runners too.
Supersport Class did return to a competitive edge in Malta. The 43 Seagull Chaudron which is the 2007 and 2008 title winning squad, have been well informed in the first race that 2009 will not be as easy as it was last year, but thanks to a new boat with more powerful Ilmor engines package they still seem to be the favorites. There is two teams who will have a big say for this, both a Donzi 38 boat. One is the 38 Baia Attolini, and the other is new 26 Team SW1 Capital. Both Donzis did finish first in Malta but where put back due to over speeding. The all female 44 Iko Casa, which is the 41 Chaudron 2007 and 2008 Supersport Class winning boat also showed great potential and I am sure this boat still has winning ways in its fiberglass. More to prove for the two boat Italian squad with 28 Blue Shaft and 22 Big Sergio, wanting more speed and in search of more reliability too. The 17 Mas Force will also look for that extra edge in speed to start worrying the front runners and manage to get a podium.

June 17, 2009

New Model: Pantera 28 SR

Pantera introduces the new 28 SR a modified special version for its much appreciated 28 model launched for its 30Th anniversary. The Pantera 28 SR will feature a full set of novelties in every area of the boat like a newly designed twin stepped bottom design, cockpit dashes, cabin layout, recessed hull sides, headers dumping out the hull sides, and a few other changes. Interior as expected for a fast boat is a spartan yet comfortable to sleep four persons in the vee shaped to fore and two settees. Power is from a single 525hp Mercruiser.
Technical Data:
LOA - 8.53 m (28ft)
Beam - 2.43 m
Draft - 0.45 m
Displacement - 2358 kg
Fuel Capacity - 529 l
Engines - Mercruiser 525EFI 525hp
Propulsion - Mercruiser Bravo One XR stern drive

June 16, 2009

Boat Review: Princess V53

Presentation
Presenting itself in the mid nineties, Princesses open and hard top V series models has been a non stop growing success for the British builder. The V53 presented in the year 2006 has been another winner for the range offering with it a good performance together with a luxurious interior and sleek exteriors but always keeping the conservative Princess look to the overall package. The V53 is an integrated hardtop only model, with a sunroof opening in a few seconds to the sun or closing for the shade or rain protection.
Accommodation
The accommodation for the Princess V53 is all about spacious spaces giving in all this more then one would imagine in a sixteen metre size. What you will like and not find on other open hard top boats is the c-shaped settee to fore port side on the cockpit deck. Other valid points is the spacious saloon settee with galley opposite feeling ultra large. The aft deck welcomes you on board with a spacious sun lounger, housing under it a well sized tender garage. Going more to fore you find a spacious c-shaped settee, with wet bar opposite, the unusual but much appreciated six person c-shaped settee to port, and a dual seated helm station to starboard.
Below deck is the three double cabins along with the galley and saloon. An area which is very spacious is surely the galley and saloon. The three cabins have all a different plan and layout, with the smaller third bunk cabin disappointing a few viewers but still feeling more spacious to what it actually is. The cabins are located in this manner, double owners with en suite to fore, twin single berth to starboard midships, third cabin with bunks to port, and a guest or day head.
Performance
The engine options for the V53 are all Volvo D12 engines starting from smaller 675hp, more performing 715hp units, and the bigger D12-800 775hp. The 675hp should give a max of 33 knots, 715hp gets you to 35 knots, and the bigger engine choice gives you a wide open throttle of 37 knots. Princess continue with the tried and tested Bernard Olesinski modified vee hull, now used for over two decades by the British builder. Olesinski's hull are all about a deep vee entrance forward section and a moderate dead rise aft of eighteen degrees. Princess also used mold tunnel propellers for reduced shaft angle and cleaner propeller water stream. Propeller pockets give a performance advantage over traditional shaft method although a perfect engine position and weight distribution is also important in order not to have the effect of a high bow ride with a lot of dragging aft.
Positive
second dining c-shaped settee in cockpit
spacious galley
Negative
bunk third cabin
Competition
Hard top boats have been in huge demand in recent years, with the market responding fiercely to this with various proposals. While this trend was started first from the Italian builders it is fair to say that is now an international affair. Criteria for the competitors was based on sixteen metres of LOA, three cabins, integrated hard top, open deck no patio door, and traditional in line shaft propulsion or pod drives.
Astondoa 53 Open - big view saloon windows, modern interior, bunk third cabin
Atlantis 54 - glass hard top, spacious cockpit, hi low bathing platform
Cayman 52 WA - walk around deck, free or sun lounger aft deck
Fashion Yachts 55 - modern inside and outside, L-shape third cabin
Gagliotta 52 - sea keeper, third bunk cabin, lower galley, saloon all up
Numarine 55 Sport - Turkish reply, 38 knots speed, third cabin bunks
Regal 52 Sport Coupe - 4 layouts, third cabin with bunks, IPS engines
Sea Ray 540 Sundancer - new model, four layouts, 2 or 3 cabins
Uniesse 54 Sport - sea keeper, sun lounger or free space aft
Windy 53 Balios - good handling, 40 knots performance
WILD CARD: Cabo 52 Express - 3 cabins, quality leader with great sea keeping
Conclusion
Since the eighties Princess have always given attention to open type Sport Cruisers, but somehow the Riviera series always left them behind versus the other British builders. Come the nineties and the integrated windshield V series Princess's manages the unthinkable becoming among the most desired for a British built Mediterranean open type sport yacht. Sitting in the middle of the current ten model V series line up, the V53 is one of the latest designs putting a great looking integrated hard top, with the usual integrity associated with the British marque. Three design solutions set the V53 apart, which are the six person dinning settee on the main deck, spacious galley for the size, and good performance with not so big engines. The Princess V53 also feels bigger to its actual size which is never a bad thing when you are on the water, and everything is seen small.
Technical Data
LOA. 16.36 metres (53.8 ft)
Length. 16.12 metres
Beam. 4.47 metres
Draft. 1.25 metres
Displacement. 22.4 t with D12-715 Volvo's
Fuel Capacity. 2210 litres
Water Capacity. 436 litres
Max Persons. 12
Accommodation. 6 + 2 berths
Engines. 2 x Volvo D12 675hp, 715hp. D12-800 775hp
Propulsion. traditional shaft drive with tunnel pockets
Speed. max 37 knots, cruise 34 knots with Volvo D12-800
Hull Shape. vee hull with eighteen degrees dead rise aft
Project. Bernard Olesinski, Princess
Construction. GRP with Isophtalic resins, balsa and PVC foam core for upper structure
Certification. CE B
www.princessyachts.com
Picture Copyright Princess. Data Princess.

June 15, 2009

Project: Sabre 52 Flybridge Sedan

Sabre Yachts presents its 52 Flybridge Sedan project, a new version for the as yet 15 boat delivered 52 Saloon Express. This new version is developed to increase market share for Sabre, and is set to launch in early 2010. The 52 Flybridge Sedan differentiates from the Salon Express, is obviously in the flybridge, offering an upper view second helm and entertainment area. The new flybridge will feature a central station with double Stidd helm chairs, a wet bar with drinks fridge, sink with an innovative smart server to the interior galley, and to starboard a comfortable l-shaped settee with table stretching along the length of the bridge. Sabre design department have also taken care for a gentle sloped stainless steel spiral case, and that the stairs to do not disturb much the cockpit versus the much appreciated space of the Saloon Express. Power is from twin Cats C15 at 865hp each.

New Model: Cabo 36 Express

Cabo's 36 Express has been a waited new model from this US California Adelante builder, who with it will replace the 35 Express after over a decade of production. New 36 Express takes elements from its replacement but also from the bigger 38 Express. The lower cabin space is similar to the bigger Cabo 38 missing only the privacy a separation door offers. Below over night accommodation is for five finding sleeping space for three in the diagonal arranged fore part of the cabin and another two in the convertible l-shaped saloon which becomes a double berth. Further comfort below comes from the spacious l-shaped galley, and head to port midships. The hull shape is Cabo modified vee with a medium vee 17.5 degrees deadrise aft similar to the 35 Express. For power one finds seven options from twin Cummins, Cats and Yanmar engines starting from the smaller standard QSB5.9 at 425hp up to C9 Acert 575hp. Propulsion is still the tried and tested traditional in line shaft drive, with Cabo surprising a few peers for not jumping on the pod band wagon for this new model. Another miss I note for this new model is for not offering an enclosed fore cabin, with the closer competitors all having a separate forward master stateroom with a door. Apart all this the Cabo 36 Express does what it is designed to do best having a cockpit and aft deck all planned for the real sport fisher with incredible spaces also thanks to the wide beam.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.7m (38.6ft)
Hull Length - 10.9 m
Beam - 4.31 m
Draft - 0.93 m
Displacement - 11680kg
Fuel Capacity - 1703 l
Water Capacity - 378 l
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB5.9 425hp, 440hp, QSC8.3 550hp, Cats C7 461hp, C9 Acert 575hp,
Yanmar 6LY3-STP 440hp, 6LY3-ETP 480hp
Propulsion - traditional shaft drive
Hull - vee with 17.5 degrees deadrise aft
Certification - CE, NMMA