October 4, 2009

Class 1 - Victory 1 European Champions

Race 1
A post-race long-lap time penalty cost Maritimo their maiden Class 1 victory, handing the win to Victory 1 and with it the lead in the European and World Championship standings. An already enthralling Race 1 of the Italian Grand Prix, round 4 of the UIM-WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, saw championship leaders Fazza suffer engine problems on lap five and finish seventh.
Victory 1 who finished the race in second place were sensationally handed the race win and moved a step closer to the European title.
After crossing the line in first place, to have the victory snatched away from them with a post-race penalty frustrated Maritimo. A brilliant start-lap and Fazza’s problems followed by a near perfect drive, should have given the Australian-Norwegian pairing their first Class 1 win, but instead they found themselves on the second step of the podium following the penalty handed to them. A first podium finish for Victory 77, saw them fighting for position with Giorgioffshore and coming out on top. In only their third race in the cockpit together it betters their fourth place from the last race.
A good performance by Giorgioffshore saw the Italian team take fourth place. After starting in sixth, they had a battle with Victory 77 off the start lap, trading places over the first two laps.
Further down the field, C.A.M. came fifth ahead of Foresti & Suardi-Roscioli Hotels. Welmax had a fuel pump problem that ended their race on lap seven.
Fazza 3 engine problem has dropped them to third and second in the European and World Championship standings respectively.
Race 2
Victory 1’s Mohammad Al Mehairi, in his debut season in Class 1, and Jean-Marc Sanchez were crowned European Champions after finishing second in Race 2 of the Italian Grand Prix, round 4 of the UIM-WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship.
The race win went to team-mates Fazza, who stormed to victory after starting at the back of the fleet, in what was arguably the drive of the season, with Welmax finishing in an impressive third place.
Fazza were determined to win Race 2 today after yesterday’s disappointment. A scintillating start saw them move up to fourth at the first turn and into second place by the end of lap two. They reduced Victory 1’s lead lap-by-lap and Fazza moved into first place on lap nine, going on to win the race by a comfortable 29 seconds. Today’s win, their fourth of the year, moved them up the rankings to finish second in the European Championship.
Following yesterday’s win, Victory 1 knew that a podium finish would be good enough to claim the European title, which Sanchez last held in 2007. After leading from the start, Fazza tore past them but the second place finish was more than enough to get their hands on the title. Welmax also had to drive through the fleet to claim a podium place. A poor start left them trailing the competition but an impressive show of speed moved them up through the field to take their third race podium of the season, finishing just 3.39 seconds behind Victory 1.
Despite having a day to forget with engine problems forcing them out on lap ten, Maritimo finished third in the European Championship.
Victory 77 finished in fourth, despite a collision with Giorgioffshore on the first corner, to finish ahead of C.A.M. after a tight battle during the middle of the race. Carpitella and Rivolta’s fifth place finish matches their performance from yesterday and means that they were the weekend’s top Italian pairing.
Foresti & Suardi-Roscioli Hotels claimed sixth spot and top Italian Team in the European Championship, after a sixth place finish while Giorgioffshore race ended on lap five after the coming together with Victory 77 resulted in severe damage to the boat.
Victory 1 lead the World Championship on 95 points but team-mates Fazza have closed the gap to only four points following today’s win. Class 1 now heads to the United Arab Emirate of Abu Dhabi for Round 5 of the UIM-WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, 19-21 November 2009.
ITALIAN GRAND PRIX – race 1
1. Victory 1 - M Al Mehairi (UAE) / JM Sanchez (FRA) - 29.01,76
2. Maritimo 11 - T Barry-Cotter (AUS) / PV Nilsen (NOR) + 00.08,60
3. Victory 77 - A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) + 01.18,96
4. Giorgioffshore - K Olsen (NOR) / N Giorgi (ITA) + 01.27,35
5. C.A.M. - C Rivolta (ITA) / G Carpitella (ITA) + 01.51,34
6. Foresti & Suardi-Roscioli Hotels - R Lo Piano (ITA) / G Montavoci (ITA) + 03.09,70
7. Welmax - K Selmer (NOR) / J Tandberg (NOR) + 4 laps
8. Fazza 3 - A Al Zafeen (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) DNF
ITALIAN GRAND PRIX – race 2
1. Fazza - A Al Zafeen (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) 00.39.10,84
2. Victory 1 - M Al Mehairi (UAE) / JM Sanchez (FRA) + 00.29,41
3. Welmax - K Selmer (NOR) / J Tandberg (NOR) + 00.32,80
4. Victory 77 - A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) + 02.41,34
5. C.A.M. - C Rivolta (ITA) / G Carpitella (ITA) + 1 lap
6. Foresti & Suardi-Roscioli Hotels - R Lo Piano (ITA) / G Montavoci (ITA) + 1 lap
Maritimo 11 - T Barry-Cotter (AUS) / PV Nilsen (NOR) dnf
Giorgioffshore - K Olsen (NOR) / N Giorgi (ITA) dnf
CLASS 1 WORLD POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP – after round 4 of 6
1. Victory 1 - 95pts
2. Fazza - 91pts
3. Maritimo 11 - 55pts
4. Welmax - 52pts
5. Foresti & Suardi-Roscioli Hotels - 41pts
6. Giorgioffshore - 36pts
7. Victory 77 - 34pts
8. C.A.M. - 23pts
9. Qatar 96 - 15pts
10. Maritimo 12 - 12pts
11. Qatar 95 - 4pts
(World Championship points include bonus points allocated to teams for running engines for two consecutive races - one point, per engine, per race)
CLASS 1 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – after round 3 of 3
1. Victory 1 - 75pts
2. Fazza - 67pts
3. Maritimo 11 - 51pts
4. Welmax - 44pts
5. Victory 77 - 30pts
6. Foresti & Suardi-Roscioli Hotels - 28pts
7. Giorgioffshore - 23pts
8. C.A.M. 14pts
8. Maritimo 12 - 12pts

Web: Fipa Group New Web Site

Your Dreams Come True, this is how Fipa Group welcomes you to its new web showroom. Fipa Group consists of four important brands: Maiora, AB Yachts, CBI Navi, and Intermare which build boats starting from the jet powered Sport Yacht AB Yachts 58, up to the steel built CBI Navi 53 which is still in project stages. Fipa started its operation in 1970, and by 1980 it had total control of the Maiora brand. In the beginning nineties Fipa started to acquire other companies starting with Intermare a ship yacht repair facility in the Viareggio harbour. 2000 marked an important acquisition with the takeover of the renowned sport yacht builder AB Yachts. 2005 was the last take over taking the custom steel Super Yacht builder CBI Navi. There is one important note for all these brands, that all have been always based in Tuscany, in the called global yacht city of Viareggio, and its neighbouring Massa where Fipa Group has always concentrated its resources. The new web site is available in Italian and English language, and has seven main buttons above: Home, Company, Location, Contact, Boat Shows, Advertising, and Editorials. Below there is the four logos of the names forming the Fipa Group, which take you to the particular brand you prefer.

October 3, 2009

New Model: Tecnomar 43 Nadara Trideck

Tecnomar launches the much expected new 43 Nadara Trideck. Heading the Tecnomar range as the yards flagship the 43 Nadara writes also a new record in the history book, most notably for being the largest in size triple decked to go in planning mode. The 43 Nadara Trideck does this in style reaching a top speed of 31 knots and keeping an all time cruise of 25 knots, with the power provided by twin MTU's of 3650hp. Founded in 1986 in Viareggio, Tecnomar started by building fast powerboats, and today 23 years later moving its premises to Massa the yard presents a triple decked Super Yacht of forty three metres. The interior plan of hull number one offers seven guest cabins, with the owners suite having a nearly full third deck dedicated to it, minus the forward part which is reserved for the main pilot station. The other six guest cabins are located on the mid part of the lower deck, with the fore part here reserved for the four cabins seven berth crew quarters. Still has been seen in all Tecnomar models each boat is pretty much a semi custom build recognizable only from the outside with the inside offering always a plan dedicated to each owner.
Technical Data:
LOA - 44 m (144.3ft)
Beam - 8.3 m
Displacement - 115 t
Fuel Capacity - 25000 l
Water Capacity - 5000 l
Accommodation - 14 guest berths in 7 cabins, 4 crew cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 16v4000M90 3650hp
Propulsion - in line shafts
Speed - 30 knots max, 25 knots cruise
Design - Luca Dini
Certification - CE A

Project: Blue Reef 87

Blue Reef is the new brand presented by Polish custom catamaran builder Sunreef yacht, who intends to challenge the mono hull Motor and Super Yacht market with this new brand. Blue Reef plan is to offer an extensive Motor and Super Yacht range from 65 to 95 feet in length. Pierre Couach, Franck Reynaud and Vincent DuchĂȘtelet from Yachting Spirit along with Sunreef are responsible for the first Blue Reef 87 project which was presented officially in Cannes along with the new brand. The Blue Reef 87 will offer a two and a half deck concept with a raised interior pilot house. Accommodation will offer a four double cabin plan, all with personal en-suited heads. The fore VIP cabin will also be a spacious affair thanks to its position more to the central due to the location of the crew quarters at the extreme of the bow tip. Crew accommodation is for three.

October 2, 2009

New Model: Ferretti 560

Ferretti Yachts finally completes the evolution process started with the 630 in 2006. Now all the Ferretti Yachts smaller to this size have the new large single window exterior main deck, followed by the practical aft galley, flush decked saloon, and a very spacious flybridge with the aileron replacing the traditional radar arch. The 560 was a much expected replacement to the plenty of cabins orientated 551, also because this model missed the much sought after full beam owners cabin. A standard request in today's modern motor yachts from any builder! The 560 will feature a three double cabin interior, with two en-suite heads for the owner and VIP cabin to fore, and a third guest head. Aft is the availability of a crew cabin. Zuccon and Ferretti AYT also renovate with the 560 proposing full sets of larger windows in all the cabins of the yacht unlike most of the competition which normally offer this only in the owner suite. Power comes from twin MAN V8CR 900hp giving max speeds of 32 knots and a cruise of 28. Now is too wait and see if Ferretti will take the design concepts presented on the smaller range to the bigger motor and super yachts of the range.
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.54 m (57.7ft)
Hull Length - 17.02 m
Waterline Length - 14.93 m
Beam - 4.96 m
Draft - 1.53 m
Displacement - 31.8 t loaded, 26.5 t unloaded
Fuel Capacity - 3100 l
Water Capacity - 710 l
Max Persons - 18
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew berth cabin
Engines - 2 x MAN V8CR 900hp
Speed - 32 knots max, 28 knots cruise
Hull - variable geometry vee with spray rails 14.5 degrees dead rise aft
Construction Material - multi axial fiberglass
Design - Zuccon International Project, Ferretti AYT
Certification - CE A

Project: Carnevali 142

Carnevali presents its next upcoming project with the design renderings of the new 142. This new model relocates itself in an important role for the Italian builder and takes a lot from the exterior lines of the just launched 180 model. Long standing Carnevali designer Ceccarelli introduced new forms and functions with the 180, set to be followed in the 145 replacement here, the 142. Unlike the 180 the second in size 142 with these renderings takes a more aggressive profile with air intakes aft, or the silhouetted integrated radar arch which does not disturb space above and creates sporty lines calling open hard top looks from the distance. The grey color above also adds to the aggressiveness of the concept, now is to see if Carnevali will offer it in this color. Interior plans have not been issued yet but accept a minimum of two available choices as the usual from the Ravenna based builder, with two or three cabin family orientated layouts.

New Model: Kadey-Krogen 55 Expedition

The new Kadey-Krogen 55 Expedition, sets a standard for long range full displacement trawler yachts offering rugged globetrotting capability and technologically advanced construction features, plus new exterior styling with a handsome sheer and a graceful raked bow. Innovative interpretations of Kadey-Krogen's home comfort and highly sociable interior spaces highlight this new design; the living area is nearly 25 percent larger than that of other comparably sized vessels. The new 55 is an expedition style with a range of over 3000 miles at 8 knots, or the equivalent of nonstop from Annapolis to Antigua at 9 knots. She has an ample fuel capacity of 1800 US gallons. Sure and steady twin John Deere 6068 TFM M1 Tier 2 engines power her, each achieving 158 HP. To support this propulsion, the under body features twin counter fared skegs, a Kadey-Krogen innovation for maximum efficiency. The balance of form and function in the 55 Expedition is evident as soon as you board. Characteristic of all Kadey-Krogen yachts, a roomy, comfortable and highly functional pilothouse serves as navigation area and living space. There is the fully covered aft deck from which to enjoy your surroundings whether you're entertaining guests, reading a book, or enjoying a snooze. Forward from the aft deck through welded aluminum weather tight doors is the saloon or, more aptly the living room as this space is a quarter larger than that of similar sized vessels. The port side galley remains amidships, directly adjacent to the saloon, so those who are prepping and cooking are still a part of the conversation. This galley is particularly well appointed with top-of-the-line appliances including a Viking range, Jennair refrigerator, Miele dishwasher and more. Moving below and forward, the interior space of the 55 Expedition allows both two cabin, or three cabin arrangement options. Each features the master stateroom forward to take advantage of natural light and fresh breezes. The master has a full head en suite that includes a spacious shower stall. A second head is opposite the starboard staterooms. Those familiar with Kadey-Krogen will recognize the natural flow and comfortable look and feel of the living quarters, as the 55 Expedition reflects the experience that only can be gained in 30 years of building live aboard passage making trawler yachts.
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.33 m (60.2ft)
Deck Length - 16.8 m
Waterline Length - 15 m
Beam - 5.48 m
Draft - 1.47 m to keel and half load
Displacement - 39857 kg half load
Fuel Capacity - 7116 l
Water Capacity - 1892 l
Engines - 2 x John Deere 6086TFM 158hp
Propulsion - in line shaft
Performance - 10 knots cruise
Range - 1200 nautical miles at 10 knots, 7100 nm at 6 knots
Construction - solid glass below waterline, knytex mat Airex core with vinilester resins
Design - Kurt M. Krogen

October 1, 2009

Class 1 - Stresa Italy Preview


The Class 1 World Powerboat Championship makes a welcome return to racing on Italian Waters for the first time since 2002, and Dubai's Victory Team will line up on the spectacular Lake Maggiore for this weekend's (2-4 October) Italian Grand Prix in Stresa, confident that they can lift the European Championship for the sixth time in the team's glittering 16-year history, with the battle for title honours seemingly a straight in-house fight between Fazza and Victory 1. Fazza's Arif Al Zafeen who won the title in 2007 alongside Jean-Marc Sanchez and Nadir Bin Hendi, lead the World Championship standings and hold a seven-point advantage over their team-mates and main challengers in the European title race, Mohammad Al Mehairi and Sanchez. But with 40 points on offer from the two races, neither outfit will be complacent and will remember last year, when a broken propeller robbed the team of the title, losing out to Jotun by a single point in Romania. Two teams looking to spoil a 'Victory' parade are Maritimo and Welmax; the Australian-Norwegian pairing are enjoying their best season since forming their partnership in 2007. Two podiums in their last three outings have put the Championship's youngest pairing into third place, 11 points adrift in the European points table and in with a chance of upsetting the form book. Defending European Champion and Welmax throttleman, Jorn Tandberg, will not give up his crown without a fight, but knows it will take something extra special this weekend to leapfrog his rivals and move up from fourth place to retain his title. Still after a series of frustrating incidents in the first two races of the season, the all-Norwegian pairing of Tandberg and Kolbjorn Selmer have turned their season around and hit back in Mamaia Constanta to take third place in qualifying in the Edox Pole Position and two race-podiums. Wheelman Selmer is confident that with one or two adjustments to their set-up, they can carry the fight to the Victory Team. Hopes of Italian team success this weekend fall heavily on the shoulders of Foresti & Suardi-Roscioli Hotels, and Giorgioffshore with both outfits looking to produce something special in front of what will most certainly be a partisan home crowd and to claim the bragging rights as the top Italian team. Foresti & Sguardi Roscioli Hotels, sit currently fifth in the Championship standings, head the Italian challenge and will be pulling out all the stops to try to match their fourth place finish in Arendal and to maintain the team's record of consistency, scoring points finishes in all races in the last two years, as they strive to be the highest-placed Italian Team in the Championship for the sixth consecutive year. Giorgioffshore was the last Italian team to grab an all-Italian podium finish, taking third place in Dubai last year, and after an impressive showing last time out in the Romanian Grand Prix just missing out on fourth spot in Race 2 after incurring two penalty long-laps, but still taking two very solid fifth-place finishes, are optimistic they can produce their best performance of the year and will be looking to once again turn the tables on their Italian rivals. Italians, Christian Rivolta and Giovanni Carpitella, return to Class 1 action for only their second start in 2009, racing for Spanish Team C.A.M., after an impressive season-opener in Doha, Qatar, where they finished fourth. After what can only be described as a hectic return to racing in Romania for former World Champion Mohammed Al Marri alongside Abdullah Al Mehairbi, Victory 77 may well be one outfit to keep a close eye on, and as Al Marri gets used to throttleman duties, an improvement on their fourth place last time out may well be on the cards. First official practice takes place on Friday afternoon (2 October), with a one-and-a-half hour session on Saturday morning for official practice and qualifying in the Edox Pole Position, followed by race 1 in the afternoon, 49.08Nm - 11 laps, including one long lap. A third official practice session on Sunday morning will be followed by race 2 in the afternoon - with the starting line-up determined by the results of race 1 - 67.58Nm, run over 15 laps, including two long laps - with both races counting for full championship points.
CLASS 1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 3 of 6
1. Fazza - 71pts
2. Victory 1 - 56pts
3. Maritimo 11 - 40pts
4. Welmax - 38pts
5. Foresti & Suardi-Roscioli Hotels - 27pts
6. Giorgioffshore - 23pts
7. Qatar 96 - 15pts
8. Maritimo 12 - 12pts
9= Victory 77 - 9pts
9= C.A.M. - 9pts
11. Qatar 95 - 4pts
(Championship points include bonus points allocated to teams for running engines for two consecutive races - one point, per engine, per race)
CLASS 1 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 2 of 3
1. Fazza - 47pts
2. Victory 1 - 40pts
3. Maritimo 11 - 36pts
4. Welmax - 32pts
5. Foresti & Suardi-Roscioli Hotels - 18pts
6. Giorgioffshore - 14pts
7. Maritimo 12 - 12pts
8. Victory 77 - 9pts
EDOX POLE POSITION CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 3 of 6
1= Fazza - 44pts
1= Victory 1 - 44pts
3. Qatar 95 - 35pts
4. Welmax - 26pts
5. Qatar 96 - 24pts
6. Maritimo 11 - 13pts
7. Giorgioffshore - 12pts
8. Maritimo 12 - 11pts
9. Foresti & Suardi-Roscioli Hotels - 8pts
10. Victory 77 - 7pts 11. C.A.M. - 5pts

Project: Otam 65 Millennium HT

Having had a conservative past in its history, this year surely comes as a surprise seeing Otam upgrading its line of super Sport Cruisers and Yachts, with two new models in the 2009 season. First there was the beginning of the year announced 58 Millennium Open version but with a fully redesigned super structure and main deck presented in Cannes a few weeks ago, and now the company heads to Genoa with the all new 65 Millennium HT. A full new boat for the Santa Margherita shipyard renowned for its over built fast Sport Cruisers and Yachts. The standard lower deck accommodation for the 65 will be a twin double cabin plus crew quarters plan, featuring also an L-shaped galley to port side, and a C-shaped saloon to starboard. The Otam 65 main deck is also the other surprise here thanks to its fully opening patio door which hides on the top of the hardtop. This area also surprises for its unusual spaces compared to similar sized boats. Still these plans are just the standard version offered by Otam without forgetting that each new build by this Italian builder is tailor made suiting its owner needs and desires. As all Otam's the 65 Millennium HT will have super fast speeds in the best comfort with the company estimating a 52 knots cruise with twin Cats C32 1825hp.

New Model: Scarani 35 Day Cruiser

Scarani presents the new 35 Day Cruiser, what is now its flagship. The Spanish built 35 Day Cruiser takes also some hints from the bigger yacht orientated Italian sister company Rio Yachts Blu range of Sport Cruisers. The 35 Day Cruiser has a feeling of being a big day boat outside thanks to the walk around nature of its design and its all open plan offering plenty of spaces above. Still below it manages a spacious two double cabin interior, plus saloon and galley. The 35 Day Cruiser can surprise even more as it can be ordered with a stylish optional hard top which stands on the centre of the boat covering nine square meters of the cockpit from sun and rain. This can be added with its awnings which create a secondary full time lounging area. The 35 Day Cruiser can also be said to offer two galleys, one on the main deck just behind the helmsman, and the other located below. Power is from twin diesels 260hp or twin petrol's of 320hp, both options having stern drive propulsion.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.05 m (36.3ft)
Hull Length - 9.99 m
Beam - 3.58 m
Draft - 0.67 m ex props
Displacement - 6700 kg
Fuel Capacity - 600 l
Water Capacity - 220 l
Max Persons - 10
Accommodation - 4 berths
Engines - 2 x diesel 260hp
Propulsion - stern drive
Construction - laminated infusion with PVC Core
Certification - CE B