33rd America's Cup - Challenger BMWOracle Dominates Race One

Finally after two cancelled days last Monday and Wednesday, racing of the first fully multi hull America's Cup got underway today Friday the 12th February. The breezy morning gave hope to the day and it did materialize in real racing at 1434 CET. The reply to the rumours about speed where coming to an end, and we could see the reality of Defender Alinghi 5 catamaran, and Challenger BMWOracle trimaran by dueling.

The start part duel which is five minutes prior the actual match was exciting as ever, with Alinghi closing the way to the starboard right of way BMW Oracle, and receiving a penalty during the entrance. But the excitement was not over as BMW Oracle blocking Alinghi5 was actually immobilized itself and could not move for a minute. While this happened Alinghi5 escaped, went inside the box turned the start mark and got a one minute 27 second advantage and 670 metres of length before the BMWOracle made its way the start line. The start gave a good advantage to Defender Alinghi5. But unfortunately for the defender this was short lived and in less thirty minutes the USA BMW Oracle trimaran made it up to nothing. Only two tacks and twenty miles upwind the US boat continued to show its power adding further metres before the turn of the top mark, where Alinghi5 had a deficit of three minutes 21 seconds. Before the mark commentators where stating that in most probability the down wind leg should give advantage to the defender, being the catamaran lighter to the US trimaran. An advantage which did not materialize and again we saw the BMWOracle thrashing the Swiss boat and adding its distance close to the four thousand metres mark. Just to add more pain to the Defender when doing the penalty before the finish line, Alinghi did not cross it properly and had to cross over again adding a further five minutes to the deficit which finished a total of 15 minutes 28 seconds.

The first of the best of three races in mostly light wind has shown a superior power from the US Trimaran Challenger and it will take something big from the Swiss Defender to haul this deficit which in today's conditions had an average of 10% advantage. Today's average ten knots breeze showed the US BMWOracle trimaran more power in both up and down wind legs, and that it can ride closer to wind angle. Next race now is scheduled for Sunday with a forecast wind of Force 4 to 5. We will see if the judges give way to racing in this wind for round two, and what Alinghi 5 can do for itself to make it competitive.

www.americascup.com

Project: Sky 18,66 m Space

Magellan Marine is a new company founded in Liechtenstein and presents its first project model the eighteen metre Space. A list of new names surrounds this first project from this small North European country starting with the concept from Peter Mintel, naval architecture by Andrew Lea, and design by Maximillian Kolb. The Magellan Space will have an axe bow concept which according to its builder should reduce vertical acceleration by as much as 50%. Other novelties is a dual panelled glasses with integrated solar panels used for the hard top and cabin deck to fore. The Magellan Space looks like an out of the norm concept mixing live aboard solutions with a fast hull able to achieve 35 knots of top speed. The interior plan offers a twin double cabin layout, with midship owners stateroom, and VIP suite to fore. A three cabin plan is also available on request. Worth to note is that the renderings also show a very comfortable living saloon, with galley bar unit, chaise lounge, C-shaped sofa, and huge views from big windows which surround all of the main deck area. Construction will be of alloy and the production is limited up to 33 units all customisable to owners wishes. Power is from standard twin Volvo IPS900 or optional triple units of the same drive engine.

www.sky-yachts.com

New Model: Maritimo A50 Aegean Flybridge

Maritimo presents the more standard to the eye version of the A50 Aegean called the Flybridge. First presented as the Enclosed version with upper bridge, the A50 Aegean Flybidge takes a similar stance to its more all weather sister, and features more standard forms. The A50 Aegean Flybridge has in fact a standard proposition of a dual helm station, inside on the main deck, and open air on the fly. The flybridge being the main difference to the other version gives you a central helm station, L-shaped settee to port, and a bunk for three persons to starboard. Aft of the flybridge, is left free to use as one desires. The maid deck of the A50 Aegean Flybridge has a similar layout to the Enclosed, with the difference that to starboard we have the interior commanding station, in replacement of the internal staircase. The staircase of the Flybridge version is outside in integrated fiberglass mould. Identical to the Enclosed the lower deck accommodation plan is for a three cabin five berth two heads layout. Owners suite to port mid ship, VIP to fore, single guest cabin and head number two to starboard. The A50 as the bigger Aegean sisters has the rare uniqueness to find for a flybridge motor yacht tender garage solution. The beam and draft dimensions of the hull give away that most probably the under waters of the A50 are very similar to all of the Maritimo Aegean, full range of Sports Cabriolet, 48 / 52 Cruising Motor Yacht, and 500 / 550 Offshore Convertible. Power is from twin Volvo D12s 775hp each which should give an economical 25 knots cruise.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.11 m (52.8ft)
Beam - 5.2 m
Draft - 1.3 m
Displacement - 22 t
Fuel Capacity - 3000 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Accommodation - 5 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D12-800 775hp
Propulsion - line shaft 9 degrees angle
Speed - 25 knots cruise
Hull Shape - variable deadrise vee

www.maritimo.com.au

Projects: Bavaria 46 Deep Blue Flybridge, Bavaria 38 Sport HT

German's mass pleasure boat builder challenges the market again by presenting two new projects which are alternate versions of models already presented. The first of these projects is the 46 Deep Blue Flybridge and just like the Open and SportTop version, BMW Group DesignworksUSA are responsible for the exterior design. This new flybridge Motor Cruiser version of the 46 Deep Blue series offers a dual helm station experience combined with more interior space on the main deck. This motor cruiser puts Bavaria into a new league, as in fact it is the German builder first flybridge boat. Opening glass doors welcome you inside, and slide open over the entire boat´s width, which take you to sheltered relaxing areas. The flybridge features the second helm station to starboard, central C-shaped settee aft, and a sunbathing area to fore. Glass surfaces to fore and on the side of the fore deck add to additional natural light to the cabins. Down below just as the other 46 Deep Blue which this Flybridge version shares the hull with, is a three double cabins, and two heads plan. Owners stateroom to fore, and the two double guest cabins to mid ship. Unlike the other 46 Deep Blue in Open or SportTop version, which are powered by Volvo stern drives the Flybridge will have IPS 600 forward looking pods. The other Bavaria project is based on the just presented 38 Sport, latest new launch of Bavaria's sport cruiser line, and follows similar looks to the successful 28 Sport launched in the fall of 2009. As in all its models over thirty feet presented in recent years Bavaria has developed a Hardtop version in close cooperation with BMW Group DesignworksUSA, its partner in terms of exterior design. The new 38 Sport HT will be a good looking sport cruiser offering sporty and dynamic lines, featuring an evolutionary hard top style which joins with the high free board hull and clean design aspects of the new BMW DesignworksUSA projects. Just as the standard 38 Sport the new Sport HT version offers a spaciously arranged cockpit featuring a large seating area, sun, wellness corners, integrated wet bar, and another sunbathing spot on the foredeck. The 38 Sport HT interior is a twin separate cabin, and convertible C-shaped settee plan. Power will be from twin stern drive with the standard starting engines being twin Volvo 320hp petrol engines.

www.bavaria-yachtbau.com

New Model: Costes 58 Galatea

Costes presents its first model with the new 58 Galatea of what is a nice looking sport yacht. This new Italian boat builder founded by four entrepreneurs with operating offices in Milan, and the building shipyard on the island of Sicily in Trapani heads to compete for one of the most difficult yacht size style market segments. The 58 Galatea is designed by architect Marco Bonelli, with the piloting station coming from the renowned Giugaro firm. Bonelli concentrated his efforts to offer spacious cabins with a minimum height requirement of 1.9 metres in all the lower deck. The interior comes in a three double cabins six berth, or a two cabin four berth plan choice. In the last case the owners get a full beam master cabin. In the three cabin version the owner cabin moves to fore, a VIP suite to midship starboard side, and twin bunk cabin to port. The VIP and third guest cabin share also the head in this plan, with an entrance from inside the cabins. Below you also get a C-shaped sofa, and galley. While the exterior looks of the first Costes sport yacht gets high praise, I still think that the interior was more planned for a two cabins especially to what regards the shower head sharing plan in the six berth layout. A small crew cabin for a single person with head is available at the bow tip. The Costes 58 Galatea reaches top speeds of 42 knots, and a cruise of 34 knots with the big Cats C18 option, aided with Arneson's efficient surface drive propulsion.

Technical Data:
LOA - 17.95 m (58ft)
Beam - 4.70 m
Draft - 1.00 m
Displacement - 25 t
Fuel Capacity - 2800 l
Water Capacity - 700 l
Max Persons - 12
Accommodation - 6/4 berths in 2 cabins, 1 crew berth cabin
Engines - 2 x Cats C15 Acert 865p, C18 1015hp
Propulsion - Arneson SD12 Surface Drives
Speed - 42 knots max, 34 knots cruise with C18
Range - 360 nm at cruise
Design - Marco Bonelli, Giugaro helm station
Construction - fiberglass, kevlar

www.costesyacht.it

Improve-it = Chris-Craft 25 Corsair

Chris-Craft presents a rich update improvement to its 25 Corsair model. The 25 Corsair is the second small in size of this timeless sport boat with overnight accommodation range. Chris-Craft decided to spice up the 25 Corsair and making it as classy looking as ever, by adding teak wood outside, and extended the bathing platform aft. The teak is in fact featured on all the deck, including the sides, fore, and aft. Chris-Craft also upgraded the seats of the 25 Corsair to more luxurious looks and feel. Surely the unique feature which made the 25 Corsair classy looking are still here like its automobile style windshield, and the deep vee twenty degrees hull. In its small cuddy cabin below the 25 Corsair offers a double berth, and a portable head. Not bad for such a sleek sport boat. Standard power is from a single Volvo or Mercury power, with petrol or diesel choices starting from 260hp up to 425hp.

www.chriscraftboats.com

New Model: Lazzara LSX 78 Fly

A new model from Lazzara is always big news for those who like innovative yachts. The US builder has been the pusher of new materials usage, and modern design solutions in the last years, challenging European competitors in what usually is there league. This new LSX 78 Fly is a further improvement of the success that is the LSX 75 delivered in over twelve examples as at 2009. Actually the LSX 78 Fly was born first as a 75 version project with the addition of a sport bridge feature in early last year. But during development phase the yard extended the bathing platform, and the US firm decided for a new model designation. Another change was also made for the bridge clearance with the LSX 78 Fly being one foot higher to the LSX 75. Apart the new spacious flybridge which adds a further area of entertainment, the LSX 78 Fly keeps the same unique principle of the 75. The interior is the much sought four cabin, eight berth layout with full beam owners stateroom, and VIP suite to fore. Performance stays the same again with the quadruple IPS600 435hp set up giving moderate fast 32 knots max, and most importantly a 26 knots cruise with impressive efficiency delivering about 400 nautical miles range.

Technical Data:

LOA - 23.77 m (78ft)

Hull Length - 23.09 m

Waterline Length - 18.92 m

Beam - 5.54 m

Draft - 1.07 m

Displacement - 36740 kg

Fuel Capacity - 3142 l

Water Capacity - 757 l

Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew berths in 1 cabin

Engines - 4 x Volvo IPS600 D6 435hp Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking dual propeller pods

Speed - 32 knots max, 26 knots cruise

Range - 400 nm at 26 knots, long range 1500 nm at 10 knots

Hull - vee shape with 12.2 degrees aft

Construction - vinylester resin vacuum bagged fiberglass with balsa core. Solid fiberglass areas for chines, centerline and hull penetrations

www.lazzarayachts.com

Project: Luhrs 33 Open

Luhrs present the project for a 33 Open model. Scheduled to be launched the coming Spring this Sportfish Cruiser will be the first built at the Millville, New Jersey plant. Luhrs 33 Open should represent a smaller mirrored example as the latest model from the US builder that was the 37 Canyon Series launched in the fall of 2008. As most of Luhrs boat the 33 Open will feature hardcore fishability with details such as an in transom live well, plenty of in-deck fishbox storage, and intelligently-designed swivelling cockpit seating. Below details or layout plans have not been shown yet, but accept the usual good comforts you've expect from Luhrs. Power, propulsion and speed estimates have so far not been presented.

www.luhrs.com

Project: Mochi 74 Dolpin Cruiser

As in music, design follows a similar pattern of cross over evolution, and here Italian builder Mochi present the project for a new 74 Dolphin Cruiser, based on traditional down east lobster yacht looks, but featuring also aspects of modern form and functions. Yes cross over styles have always been part of the Dolphins from Mochi, designed by Studio Victory Brunello Acampora. But it's fair to say with this new 74 Cruiser, modernity does takes a new challenge. First of all we are seeing larger top sides much more to the standard version of the 74, and the same flybridge is now extended and actually covers over eighty per cent of the aft cockpit deck. Other more motor yacht features is the deck split in two areas with lounging upon entering the interior, dining to fore, and a very Italian med solution of a separate galley. The 74 Dolphin Cruiser will also feature a bigger lower deck with four double cabins all with personal heads, and a bigger crew quarters for a max of three berths. The standard 74 Dolphin had a fourth single berth cabin and smaller crew quarters. Power for the 74 Dolphin Cruiser which will also be the new Mochi flagship of the planning fleet, will be from twin MAN 1550hp with estimated top speeds of 31 knots.

www.mochicraft-yacht.com

Improve-it = Heesen 47m YN 14647

Following intensive sea trials in the North Sea Heesen Yachts is proud to announce that the delivery of 4YOU has now taken place. This 47 metre Super Yacht is a sister-ship of hull number 12947, M/Y Sirocco, launched in 2006 and hull number 14247, M/Y Celestial Hope delivered in 2008. Her interior design was conceived by Omega Architects, who created a fresh contemporary style rich yet understated with clean lines and luxurious details. Guests arriving on the main deck aft are welcomed into the vast main saloon, passing first through an art-embellished lobby. This leads on into a social area furnished with coffee tables, armchairs and pouffes where an eight-seater table, custom made from American walnut and topped with leather, is inlaid with intricate patterns of matt silver. The room's soft colour palette, focuses on tones of beige and taupe set against the pale background of a creamy silk carpet, while the use of semi-gloss varnish also contributes to the relaxed and cool atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy the second saloon on the upper deck, where a brightly lit sky lounge offers three comfortable sofas and a choice of poufs that can also serve as coffee tables. Here, guests can enjoy live music from a baby-grand piano that dominates the aft portion of the room, while the plasma screen is hidden by a unique piece of art deco-inspired art, made by Dutch glass maker Glass Déco, this combines several panels of glass, delicately coloured in pale blue and light gold, to create a marine scene. A further example of inlaid stainless steel can be seen in the doors of a dark wood cabinet. An elegant full-service bar topped with American walnut and white Carrara marble is positioned aft, adjacent to the sliding doors that give access to the aft portion of the bridge deck, where the primary function is open air dining. One deck above is the sundeck whose centre portion, like 4YOU's sister-ship Sirocco, can be partially enclosed. This deck offers an open-air fitness centre and a spa pool area that can be fully covered by an awning supported by carbon-fibre retractable pillars. Eight guests can be accommodated on the lower deck in four cabins, of which two are twins and two are VIP doubles. Located forward on the main deck, the master suite is entered through the owner's office and leads on through a pair of walk-in wardrobes to the master bedroom, which occupies the yacht's full beam.

www.heesenyachts.com