Powerboat GPS - Malta Endurance Race Round 4

Calm Mediterranean sea and a misty sky was the backdrop for Malta's second Grand Prix race, which despite the not so difficult conditions saw four boats retire one of these with a terrible accident at 90 mph, and two which did not make it to the course. This means that the Endurance race followed its title, challenging the ultra fast powerboats and the drivers to extreme testing. A spectacular accident at 90 mph involved 17 Spirit of Belgium from Super Sport Class throwing driver Patrick Huybreghs over one hundred feet away from his cockpit. The fourth round of the Grand Prix of the Sea series ended with two teams in the respective class take a good leadership for the 2010 title. Next Grand Prix in a months time, starting on 9th July in Poltu Quatu in Sardinia, Italy.

Evolution

The 53 Metamarine Forest&Sguardi finally managed to clinch the Malta Grand Prix placing first in the Sunday Round 4 Endurance race. The Adriatic diesel powered mono hull made a brilliant start and continued its leadership to the end. Metamarine driver Marco Pennesi surely leaves the Island with a fantastic reminder then to last years accident during sea trial. In the sixth lap a fast 88 SNAV-Kiton was getting closer to the Italian mono hull before the Outerlimits SV43 had to retire. This was a weekend to forget for the OSG team, which started well by taking Powerpole on Friday, but ended in no points for the 2009 Champion. Second place for 66 Cranefields Wine who made well to hang out in the last parts of the race. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge ended the race in a third place which was not so bad considering they broke a shaft in the last three laps and had to limp it in to get some points. Saturdays winner 33 Furnibo who where assisted for the Malta Grand Prix with 2007 and 2008 Champion Craig Wilson retired past the middle of the race. At this time the Belgian team where placed second and at about 45 seconds distance from the leaders. Another no race day for 47 Silverline and the new Fountain 43 feet Silverline engined boat. During the morning sea trials the boat looked running quite well, before stopping and going in harbour at a slow pace.

Supersport

The 90 mph speed limit class had important chapters for race four of the 2010 season which are the leadership from start to finish of 38 Baia Attolini, the good recovery of 26 Team 26, the dominion of the Donzi 38ZF hull, and a terrible accident by Spirit of Beglium. Team 26 rounded the first mark in fourth place, but ended the last three laps with a tight nerving battle against the other older Donzi 38 of 38 Baia Attolini. Baia Attolini won the race with only a two seconds lead showing again the good defending skills from the Italian team. Both Donzi teams actually deserve the admiration, 38 Baia for defending its first place from the attacks of Team 26, and the British team for making it up to the second spot. Third place for 43 Seagull Chaudron which saw the Maltese built Supersport 2009 Champion boat taste back some of its past glory, and take second overall for the Malta Grand Prix. Fourth for 22 Big Sergio which had a replacement driver in Benjamin Van Riet part of the 2B1 Racing Team after the SV40 Outerlimits spun out on Saturday leaving helmsman Alfredo Amato injured. Benjamin Van Riet competed in the 2008 championship in Supersport Class with the Chaurdon 33 Spirit of Portomaso. Retirement for 17 Spirit of Belgium on the eleventh lap, and 81 Karelpiu on the ninth. Spirit of Belgium had a terrible 90 mph accident which saw throttleman Patrick Huybreghts fly hundred feet in the air, while the Italian Karelpiu Fountain winner of Saturdays race reached an impressive third from last before retiring. Same fate to Saturday for the o6 Jolly Drive Italian built diesel powerboat, which did not make it to the race course.

EVOLUTION CLASS
1. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Sguardi = 17 laps 59:44,00
2. 66 Cranefields Wine = 1:02:04,00 -1 lap
3. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge = 01:01,09 -4 laps
4. 33 Furnibo = RET 11 laps
5. 88 SNAV-Kiton = RET 6 laps
- 47 Silverline = DNS
- 55 Ukrainian Spirit = DNS
SUPERSPORT CLASS
1. 38 Baia Attolini = 16 laps 01:02:05,00
2. 26 Team 26 = 01:02:07.07
3. 44 Seagull Chaudron = 01:02:51,41
4. 22 Big Sergio = 01:03:00,49
5. 17 Spirit of Belgium = RET 11 laps
6. 81 Karelpiu = RET 9 laps
- 06 Jolly Drive = DNS

2010 Championship After Round 4
EVOLUTION:
Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Round 3 + Round 4 = TOTAL (incl engine bonus 5 pts)

1. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Suardi - Metamarine Corse ~ 16 + 20 = 74 (2 bonus)

2. 33 Furnibo - 2B1 Racing Team ~ 20 + 0 = 53 (1bonus)

3. 88 SNAV-Kiton - OSG Racing Team ~ 0 + 0 = 45 (1 bonus)

4. 66 Cranefields Wine - Searex Racing Team ~ 7 + 16 = 35 (1 bonus)

5. 77 Lucas Oil - Scandiavian Offshore Challenge ~ 12 + 12 = 29 (1 bonus)

6. 47 Silverline Racing - Silverline ~ 0 + 0 = 0

7. 55 Ukrainian Spirit - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 0 + 0 = 0

SUPERSPORT:
Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Round 3 + Round 4 = TOTAL

1. 38 Baia Attolini - Baia Attolini ~ 7 + 20 = 77 (2 bonus)

2. 17 Spirit of Belgium - Spirit of Belgium ~ 16 + 0 = 49 (1 bonus)

3. 22 Big Sergio - Al & Al Racing Team ~ 6 + 7 = 44 (2 bonus)

4. 43 Seagull Chaudron - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 12 + 12 = 42 (1 bonus)

5. 81 Karelpiù - RG 87 Racing Team ~ 20 + 0 = 32 (0 bonus)

6. 26 Team 26 - Team 26 ~ 5 + 16 = 21 (0 bonus)

7. 06 Jolly Drive - Jolly Drive Racing Team ~ 0 + 0 = 18 (1 bonus)

www.grandprixofthesea.com

Projects: Filippetti 30 Navetta, Filippetti 980 Evo, Filippetti 26 Navetta

Italy's Filippetti Yacht challenges the market with three important new projects all of a 24 metre plus Super Yacht size. Two of the projects also represent the new Navetta range with full displacement hulls from Filippetti. Pictured above is the largest of these projects the 30 Navetta. Little details are so far given accept for the fact that it is a design from Italian architect Pietro Mingarelli. The 30 Navetta is also the latest project by Filippetti Yacht and will have a five guest cabins accommodation plan. It will be powered by twin Cat 1.450 horsepower engines. The Filippetti 980 Evo is a further evolution of the Biarritz model from the Evo Marine brand. Evo Marine has now been acquired by Filippetti. The 980 is a 29 meter Super Yacht designed by Fulvio De Simoni who presented a two and a half deck layout with options of a main deck reserved for entertainment with four cabins below. Alternative a five cabin version is available with the owners master stateroom moving to the fore part of the main deck. Power will be from twin 2435hp MTU engines with line shafts giving 28 knots of speed. A more powerful jet propulsion version will be available. Construction will be to RINA cross of Malta class.

The 26 Navetta is the smallest of this new range from Filippetti Yacht and will be a four guest cabin full displacement Super Yacht. The owners master stateroom will be a main deck affair. Power will be from twin Cats 1015hp engines. which will give a 14 knots wide open throttle, and a 12 knots cruise. Range will be a 2500 nautical miles at an economical cruise. Construction will be in fiberglass to RINA CE A standard.

www.filippettiyacht.com

Powerboat GPS - Malta Sprint Race Round 3

Light Seas, leadership from start to finish, and three rudder fins damages characterized the first race of two for the Malta Grand Prix. The Round Three race was also characterized by a dominant run by two Fountain Powerboats in both the Evolution and Supersport classes.

Evolution

The no limits class saw a dominant performance display by the Fountain of Belgium Team 2B1 33 Furnibo. which lead the race from start to finish. Second place for 60 Metamarine who started last of the Evolution group but where quickly third on the first run, and second half way on lap 2. Just when the 60 Metamarine surpassed the 2009 Champion 88 SNAV-Kiton the Outerlimts SV43 made a spectacular spin out, and had to retire after this. While the 88 SNAV-Kiton is normal to spinning the case for today's was a hit to a hard object as both drives had the rudder fins cut off. In the middle of the race the Metamarine boat seemed closing the gap on Furnibo with the loss reduced to only ten seconds. But the leading team sprang its throttles again to dominate the race and end with an advantage of over one minute. Good race and first points for the new Vector 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Challenge which placed a podium important third. Fourth place for 66 Cranefields Wine what was a very good run today for the German team and boat. The Fountain 47 Silverline made it to the course just in time, but just at the starting run had to abandon racing hopes due to engine problem.

Supersport

The new Italian team RG87, 81 Karelpiu made another display of leadership from start to finish in the limit class what was another Fountain boat dominant performance. Second place for 17 Spirit of Belgium. Third place for a reborn 43 Seagull Chaudron which made all remember that this is a Supersport champion hull for three years in a row. 43 Seagull rounded the first turn in fourth, but overtook 38 Baia Attolini after the first mark in dirty water which gave the Ukrainian team Malta boat a deserved third place podium finish. Fourth place for 38 Baia Attolini which made the last part of the Sprint race defending itself from the Outerlimits 22 Big Sergio which ultimately finished fifth wth a less to four seconds gap. A slow and disappointing run for the Donzi of 26 Team 26, which like the SNAV-Kiton from the Evolution Class was the expense of a damaged rudder to the port side Arneson surface drive. 06 Jolly Drive the diesel powered Albatro boat tried to make it to the course in the last minutes but did not manage to start the race.

EVOLUTION CLASS
1. 33 Furnibo = 11 laps 37:25,68
2. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Sguardi = 38:27,06
3. 77 Lucas Oil Scaninavian Offshore Challenge = 40:06,98
4. 66 Cranefield Wine = 52:34,70
5. 88 SNAV-Kiton = RET 1 lap
- 47 Silverline = RET 0 laps
- 55 Ukrainian Spirit = DNS
SUPERSPORT CLASS
1. 81 Karelpiu = 10 laps 38:46,82
2. 17 Spirit of Belgium = 39:20,86
3. 44 Seagull Chaudron = 40:00,71
4. 38 Baia Attolini = 40:26,73
5. 22 Big Sergio = 40:30,62
6. 26 Team 26 = 39:08,59 -1 lap
- 06 Jolly Drive = DNS
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Powerboat GPS - Malta Day 2 of 3

Second day in Malta and the obligatory official practice has just concluded. By view alone I would say the speeds are very much in line with yesterdays Powerpole. The speeds are similar to last year although I still think the margins that Cigarette Smash Poker, and the Outerlimits Lucas Oil where reaching had an extra number. Conditions are calm although they are not the flat sea we had in last years race. Forecast is for a moderate Force 3 to 4 SE. Race time is 1700 CET time.

SNAV-Kiton showed good speed this morning, and Furnibo was very close behind it. Metamarine looked lightly slower of the first two. Lucas Oil looked faster to the Searex boat, and Silverline which did the test was also performing well before going back to the pits what looked like on one engine. We hope Silverline will manage to fix the bugs and race later on. I think now it is official that the 55 Ukrainian Spirit team will not complete the full engine change, so no Malta GPS for the new Evolution contender.

In Super Sport class I was impressed by the yellow Fountain Karelpiu, which looked among the faster boats in the trials, along with the Al and Al Outerlimits boats. Nor-Tech and Baia Atollini also looked performing well, as was the diesel powered Jolly Drive. The Seagull Chaudron looked slow again, and I wonder what happened to this so well performing boat who is the 2009 Champion.

www.grandprixofthesea.com

Powerboat GPS - Malta Powerpole

A sunny sky, hot weather and a light South East breeze was the recipe of today's day one of three from the Malta Grand Prix. The Powerpole held in Marsamxett harbour was truly a spectacular affair for viewers.

EVOLUTION

The no limits class had two boats missing in the pits the Outerlimits Carconnex, and Chaudron Ukrainian Spirit. Silverline on the other hand did not make it to the Powerpole lap, altough the #47 did do the official practice in a sort of suffering, two hours before the timed lap. 88 SNAV-Kiton confirms its leadership taking the Powerpole with a third of a second advantage on second placed Furnibo. Five seconds distance for the diesel powered Metamarine, which was followed in fourth place by an improving performance from the German Cranefields Wine. Last position from the competing boats for the still disappointing 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge.

SUPER SPORT

The 90 mph limited class again showed the potential of Team 26 who took Powerpole with a one second advantage from the always more promising Spirit of Belgium. Third place with three seconds away for Yalta Grand Prix winner 38 Baia Attolini. The new Outerlimits of Big Sergio placed fourth, with only a distance of .2 of a second from the Fountain of Italian team Karelpiu. Sixth place for the diesel Jolly Drive. While the 2009 Champion 43 Seagull Chaudron continues its run in negative waters placing last with an eleven seconds deficit from the first place.

Evolution Results:
1. 88 SNAV-Kiton = 01:45,99
2. 33 Furnibo = 01:46,35
3. 60 Metamarine = 01:50,87
4. 66 Cranefields Wine = 01:51,58
5. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge = 01:52,53
- 47 Silverline = DNS
- 55 Ukrainian Spirit = DNS
- 01 Carconnex = DNS
Super Sport Results:
1. 26 Team 26 = 02:04,92
2. 17 Spirit of Belgium = 02:05,94
3. 38 Baia Attolini = 02:07,92
4. 22 Big Sergio = 02:09,28
5. 81 Karelpiu = 02:09,30
6. 06 Jolly Drive = 02:10,16
7. 43 Seagull Chaudron = 02:16,58
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Powerboat GPS - Malta Day 1 of 3

Today around the Globe is all about the opening of the World Cup of Football, but for us Powerboats fans the attention turns into the second Grand Prix of the season, the classic round of Malta. Yesterday while at sea I had a glimpse of the Vector Powerboat Lucas Oil Evolution Ilmor powered sea trialling in force four seas with four feet wave height and ESE direction. Forecasts are for a Force 5 with Easterly direction. So it seems the rough sea Classic will keep its usual characteristics again this year. All participants are present in Malta in the pits minus the two Chaudron Ukrainian Spirit boats from the Evolution and Supersport Class. Powerpole is scheduled at 1800. Testing is for 1030 - 1200 and official testing from 1500 to 1600. Updates coming later on. You can also join other Powerboat GPS fans on the Facebook page here:
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=115197361850528
www.grandprixofthesea.com

INBUILD ~ Galeon 385 HT Part 1 of 7

Galeon has five lined new models for this years fall and this means a hard pick choosing which to dedicate for the special INBUILD section. Apart the important new flagship 780 Crystal which we are following, now you will also see construction updates for the 385 HT model. Designed by British Tony Castro the 385 HT will be an important new model for Galeon and those who are looking for the perfect eleven metres sport cruiser, offering a hard top, flush main deck, and a two cabins two head interior plan. Only the Sessa C38 released in the fall of 2009 which is the first of this latest generation eleven metres can combine these amenities. Picture above is the tooling of the mould of the 385 HT hull, here being shown in its refined stages. Worth to note that unlike some other builders Galeon produces all the tooling in house. While this can be of little importance to the end product, it is to the manufacturer which makes things easy if updating and improving a model will be needed in the near future.

www.galeon.pl

Improve-it = Sabre 40 Sedan

Sabre launches the first with flybridge option of the 2008 presented 40 Sedan model. Originally a traditional hardtop down east cruiser with patio door saloon, Sabre present a flybridge option for those who like to helm from up top. On standard form the 40 Sedan is already an all year cruiser, but the flybridge option does give more to it in nice weather. The flybridge of the 40 Sedan has an L-shaped settee to port side, and a single person helm station to starboard. The ladder for going up to the flybridge is located to starboard, and for this you loose the mezzanine settee lying on this side versus the standard hardtop version. You still get a mezzanine settee to port side. For the rest this new flybridge option keeps the plan of the standard 40 Sedan with its two cabins, single shower head interior, and twin Cummins 380hp powered with Zeus pods giving it a 31 knots top speed.

www.sabreyachts.com

Project: Fairline 50 Squadron

Fairline is adding to the latest generation Squadron range with the introduction of a fifty feet model, scheduled for launch during summer 2011. A cleverly designed interior layout arrangement, with three cabins, three en-suite and no full beam owners cabin characterizes the 50 Squadron living space. A fore master cabin provides sizable accommodation that would normally be expected on a sixty feet yacht. This cabin includes panoramic hull windows and overhead glazing which natural light the room, further contributing to the feeling of spaciousness. The two guest cabins each feature their own en-suite with full sized shower. An optional fourth-crew cabin with feature window is also available aft, with easy access from the cockpit. Fairline's design trend towards spacious and light-filled living areas continues into the large saloon with its huge panoramic windows, available with optional powered opening section. Offering a new layout arrangement from Fairline, the galley has been positioned aft in the saloon, allowing easy access for Al fresco dining in the sociable cockpit area. The glass patio door features an optional opening window ideal for serving guests in the cockpit. A class leading flybridge which is a symbol of Fairlines last decade models continues the larger than previously seen on a boat of this size, providing plentiful areas for entertaining and relaxing. The upper helm position has been located port side to enable an even clearer view of the rear platform when mooring. Other key features of the Squadron 50 include the innovative, patent-pending, concealed mechanised tender launch option at the stern platform for either a Williams 285 or 325 Jet RIB. Since the first 62 Squadron was launched in 1991 the passion to offer an exceptional level of luxury continues today with the latest generation flybridge models from this range, which provide sophisticated and spacious living areas. The development of the 50 Squadron follows the success of the award-winning 55 and 65 Squadrons, which were introduced to great acclaim in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

www.fairline.com

Powerboat GPS - Malta Preview

The Malta Grand Prix is in its sixth year running having started to take part in the Powerboat P1 renamed as GPS for this year since 2004. This has made the making of a classic for the central Mediterranean event, and be it for the exception of last year race, was always performed in rough seas. The drivers call the Malta Grand Prix as the Rough Sea Classic.

This years event will start on Thursday 10 June, and will continue up to the 13th. Some important changes are in place for this year event and that is for the position of the pits, which will be in the tourist mecca city of Sliema, looking to the West of capital city Valletta. The Powerpole which is to be held on Friday will also be taking part in a different area being run for the first time on Marsamxett Harbour, the West side of Valletta. The races which will be held on Saturday for Round Three Sprint Race, and Sunday Round Four Endurance show a similar course to that of last year.

The Malta Grand Prix is a favorite with 2006 and 2009 Evolution Champion OSG Racing Team Giancarlo Ciangiano, who won three Malta Grand Prix from 2007 till 2009. It is also the home race for Arron Ciantar and the Chaudron Powerboats stable. Ciantar won the Malta Grand Prix for the Super Sport class in the very rough 2008, and in last year flat calm editions.

EVOLUTION:
Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Points

1. 88 SNAV-Kiton - OSG Racing Team ~ 40

A good start for 2009 Championship, although they did spun too much on Round 1.

2. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Suardi - Metamarine Corse ~ 28

The diesel boat showed power and nearly won a race. Fast more then to 2008.

3. 33 Furnibo - 2B1 Racing Team ~ 28

Took Powerpole and with a bit of luck placed well. New faster props for Malta.

4. 66 Cranefields Wine - Searex Racing Team ~ 7

Looked out propped on the Saturday race. Still managed some points!

5. 55 Ukrainian Spirit - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 0

Showed potential in rough seas race one, and nearly won it. New Mercury engines for Malta.

6. 47 Silverline Racing - Silverline ~ 0

New Fountain hull. Hope to see more of it in Malta. Showed more speed then the old Cougar.

7. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian - Scandinavian Offshore Challenge ~ 0

Big disappointment in Malta for one of the most expected boats.

8. 01 Carconnex - Carconnex ~ 0

The old smaller Outerlimits SV40. Did not perform so bad.

SUPERSPORT:
1. 38 Baia Attolini - Baia Attolini ~ 40

Total domination in Malta for the Italian team Donzi boat, second placed in 2009.

2. 17 Spirit of Belgium - Spirit of Belgium ~ 28

A good run from this new very good looking Nor-Tech. Can they compete for the title.

3. 22 Big Sergio - Al & Al Racing Team ~ 21

A new Outerlimits hull which show good speed. Another good looker.

4. 06 Jolly Drive - Jolly Drive Racing Team ~ 13

The only diesel power in SS class. Showed good speed and can challenge podium places.

5. 43 Seagull Chaudron - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 13

2009 champion hull with new crew. Nearly sunk in end of race 2, but saved.

6. 81 Karelpiù - RG 87 Racing Team ~ 12

Good to see a Fountain in SS Class. A podium on round 2 showed potential.

7. 26 Team 26 - Team 26 ~ 0

Trouble first weekend for 26. But if the gremlins are fixed will be a big challenge to all.

www.grandprixofthesea.com