July 13, 2010

Project: Luhrs 30 Open

Luhrs is introducing a new 30 Open. At two inches short of 32 feet, this entry level sportfish cruiser will build on tried true platforms, incorporating new design features that are sure to make anglers sit up and take notice. Equipped with twin Yanmar 260 diesels, this boat will have the perfect blend of power and fuel efficiency. The transom door opens into a large split cockpit, and below, the Luhrs engineering and design team in Millville, New Jersey has laid out a thoughtful and roomy interior that sleeps four. The softer side of this hardcore fishing machine will be readily apparent, with Amtico wood slat floors, genuine Corian counter tops, and durably soft UltraLeather seating.

July 12, 2010

Powerboat GPS - Polto Quato Grand Prix

The picturesque Poltu Quatu on the famous Emerald Coast in Sardinia was the back drop for the turning point of the 2010 season. This year season is becoming a very challenging competition, where differences between both boats in the classes are just split seconds and with this reliability playing a more important role then to 2009. The Italians continue there good season run this year with Italian teams leading both classes. Saturday morning trials was also marked again by another terrible incident to the Super Sport Nor-tech Spirit of Beglium boat which nose dipped at 83 mph and left bad injuries to both Patrick and Shelley Jory.
EVOLUTION CLASS
Round 5
After not participating in the Friday Powerpole due to a blown Turbo, the competition was surely surprised to see a 60 Metamarine who from last position on the start run challenged second place on the first buoy turn, and after round six overtook the retiring engine troubled 33 Furnibo Fountain, going again to a dominant run. Second place for an always improving 77 Lucas Oil. Third place for the awaited return of the 55 Ukrainian Spirit Chaudron now with new more powerful Mercury engines. A not so good fourth place for the 2009 and 2006 champion OSG team 88 SNAV, who surely know that if they want to challenge Metamarine they have to do better then this. Finally 47 Silverline managed to cross the finish line, and with a three minutes distance in the nine laps course may be there is hope for a better performance in the races to come. Cranefields Wine German Searex powerboat had a slow performance considering there recent improvements in Malta, and in the Friday Powerpole. Retirement for the fast Fountain 33 Furnibo who before retiring on lap 6 was turning all laps under the four minute barrier, something only the diesel 60 Metamarine also managed for four laps, and 88 SNAV Kiton once on the third lap.
1. 60 Metamarine Foresti Sguardi = 9 laps 34:22,04
2. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge = 35:54,11
3. 55 Ukrainian Spirit = 36,21,24
4. 88 SNAV - Kiton = 36:48,45
5. 47 Silverline = 37:34,31
6. 66 Cranefields Wine - Carconnex = 41:28,71
7. 33 Furnibo = RET 6 laps
Round 6
It was a similar start to the Saturday Sprint race, with the two faster boats going head to head on the turning of the first buoy, but with the Belgian Fountain 33 Furnibo taking the inside of the turn and a better position to lead the race from start to finish. A display of strength and speed was followed by the Belgian team doing nine of the thirteen laps under the four minute barrier, including a weekend fastest three minutes 49.84 seconds. But the fast Belgian Fountain better watch its back all times as the reliable and fast Italian diesel monster 60 Metamarine replied with a similar fashion doing six laps under the four minutes barrier, its best being a three minutes 51,19 seconds. The second place of 60 Metamrine also meant a second overall Grand Prix win, following the one in Malta for the big Italian diesel powerboat, along with more points collected which increased its title advantage on the competition. Third position for the 2010 built 43 feet Chaudron who showed good composure and skill in the Poltu Quatu Grand Prix taking two important third place podium finishes. A race of frustration for Team OSG and the 2009 Championship winner 43 feet Outerlimits, who finished fourth on retirement on the thirteenth lap, and a two minute jump start penalty. Retirements for 77 Lucas Oil who still cant make a complete weekend after such a good race on Saturday, and 47 Silverline who continue there 2010 reliability issues. The 66 Cranefields Searex did not manage to start the race.
1. 33 Furnibo = 14 laps 54:01,98
2. 60 Metamarine Foresti Sguardi = 54:50,39
3. 55 Ukrainian Spirit = 57:34,80
4. 88 SNAV - Kiton = 54:21,51 -1 laps + 2:00 Jump Start Penalty
5. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge = RET 11 laps
6. 47 Silverline = RET 1 lap
7. 66 Cranefields Wine - Carconnex = DNS
SUPERSPORT CLASS
Round 5
After years of hard work the determination of Team Al&Al paid up, and finally we see the 22 Big Sergio make it to the top of the podium. The race also featured a very nice overtaking to the 43 Seagull Chaudron who finished second. Third place for 81 Karelpiu who actually where first, but finished demoted after receiving a thirty seconds over speeding penalty. 38 Baia Attolini and the 38 feet Donzi finished fourth. The diesel FPT powered 06 Jolly Drive after a month of hard work following Malta finished a point collecting fifth place. Not so good a start of a sixth place for the new much awaited Pantera 41 of Ocean Dragon Racing the 08 Asia 2011-15. No start for the 43 feet Nor-Tech which apparently disintegrated in a terrible nose dip on the morning practice leaving both pilots badly injured. The fast 38 feet Donzi Team 26 did not make it to Sardinia though in its absence we had three Italian teams competing for the Italian circuit; Saho 59 Chrisden a known 38 feet Donzi which competed in 2008, 18 Pratiko, and Angelo Tedeschi 44 Kenon Cafe which is the 2007 and 2008 Supersport Champion boat.
1. 22 Big Sergio = 8 laps 34:32,75
2. 43 Seagull Chaudron = 34:38,45
3. 81 Karelpiu = 34:28,86 + 30 seconds over speeding Penalty
4. 38 Baia Attolini = 35:08,32
5. 06 Jolly Drive = 37:23,54
6. 08 Asia 2011-15 = 38:20,34
7. 17 Spirit of Belgium = DNS
Round 6
38 Baia Attolini did a similar run to what they did in Malta a month ago dominating the round six Poltu Quatu Endurance race for thirteen laps. Second place for Big Sergio who with it take Poltu Quatu overall win, and reduce the gap to the 38 feet Donzi of Baia Attolini to only 29 points. A very successful weekend for Team Al&Al which was also celebrated by the signing of a new sponsor deal. Another third place for the fast 81 Karelpiu Fountain, but this time no surprise penalty to demote this very good performing rookie team. Fourth place for the 41 feet Seagull Chaudron. No start for three boats; the diesel powered 06 Jolly Drive, the new 41 feet Pantera 08 Asia 2011-15, and the Saturday accident 43 feet Nor-Tech 17 Spirit of Belgium. The three Italian teams which competed in the Italian series had a retirement on lap 8 for 18 Pratiko, a slow run for the Saho 59 Chrisden which finished two laps behind, and a good race by Team Racing Project 44 Kenon Cafe which made to all remember its glory days.
1. 38 Baia Attolini = 13 laps 57:57,90
2. 22 Big Sergio = 58:03,30
3. 81 Karelpiu = 58:46,02
4. 43 Seagull Chaudron = 59:16,69
5. 06 Jolly Drive = DNS
6. 08 Asia 2011-15 = DNS
7. 17 Spirit of Belgium = DNS
2010 Championship After Round 6
EVOLUTION:
Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Round 5 + Round 6 = TOTAL (incl engine bonus 5 pts)
1. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Suardi - Metamarine Corse ~ 20 + 16 = 115 (1 bonus)
2. 33 Furnibo - 2B1 Racing Team ~ 0 + 20 = 73
3. 88 SNAV-Kiton - OSG Racing Team ~ 7 + 7 = 64 (1 bonus)
4. 77 Lucas Oil - Scandiavian Offshore Challenge ~ 16 + 0 = 45
5. 66 Cranefields Wine - Searex Racing Team ~ 5 + 0 = 40
6. 55 Ukrainian Spirit - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 12 + 12 = 24
7. 47 Silverline Racing - Silverline ~ 6 + 0 = 6
8. 01 Carconnex - Carconnex ~ 0 + 0 = 0
SUPERSPORT:
Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Round 5 + Round 6 = TOTAL
1. 38 Baia Attolini - Baia Attolini ~ 7 + 20 = 109 (1 bonus)
2. 22 Big Sergio - Al & Al Racing Team ~ 20 + 16 = 80
3. 43 Seagull Chaudron - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 16 + 7 = 75 (1 bonus)
4. 81 Karelpiù - RG 87 Racing Team ~ 12 + 12 = 61 (1 bonus)
5. 17 Spirit of Belgium - Spirit of Belgium ~ 0 + 0 = 49
6. 06 Jolly Drive - Jolly Drive Racing Team ~ 6 + 0 = 24
7. 26 Team 26 - Team 26 ~ 0 + 0 = 21
8. 08 Asia 2011-15 - Ocean Dragon Racing Team ~ 5 + 0 = 5
www.grandprixofthesea.com

July 11, 2010

Projects: Arcadia 135, Arcadia 115

Arcadia Yachts continues its innovative inspiration by presenting two bigger projects to its first 85 model. Pictured above is the largest of the projects the 135, which is to be the flagship from this South Italy, Neapolitan boat builder. As the rendering above shows the 135 is another innovative project with a three deck explorer yacht feel to it. As is expected solar panels will be another theme of the 135, just as it is for the 85. Accommodation for the 135 will be a five guest cabin, with the owners stateroom on the main deck. The crew will have also four double bunk cabins to fore, a personal lobby, and a captains room on the upper deck just behind the pilot house. The 135 will have a full displacement hull. After delivering the first 85 in the fall of 2009, hull two in early 2010, three being put into the water in this time, and four currently in construction, the Arcadia 115 will be the second model, not only in size but also to be presented by this Naples builder. Arcadia advised us that the tooling for the 115 has started early this Spring and the yard is hoping for an owner in order to pursue the construction of this model with the hope of a 2011 delivery. With the 115 Guida Engineering keeps the hybrid evolution as seen on the 85 with a sporty explorer feel to the exterior looks. Considering this is a three deck yacht this is no small task. Again spaces are abundant everywhere on the 115 with the upper third deck having record breaking sizes. Accommodation is for a five or four cabin lower deck, plus an owner stateroom on the main deck. The 115 also offers an interesting entertainment area with pool on the fore deck. The 115 will also again feature the Green attitude of the 85 with Solar panels everywhere, electric propulsion available on request, black water treatment, and zero speed stabilization. Power for the 115 will be from twin MAN 1224hp. www.arcadiayachts.com

July 10, 2010

Powerboat GPS - Poltu Quatu Powerpole

Powerboats return to the white island that is Sardinia after a very long time. Who does remember the long endurance race like the Viareggio Bastia held in the sixties, seventies, and being abandoned in the late eighties when Class 1 started to change. But since then such yards as Bruno Abbate do hold their yearly race in Poltu Quatu. The weekend started in sunshine with a bit of swell, and usual big boats waves from the huge traffic the famous Emerald Coast has.
EVOLUTION
In Evolution Class the Fountain Furnibo continued to show its Powerpole, taking its consecutive Powerpole of the year, after Yalta. The nimble Fountain is proofing to be the fastest boat in this year circuit, now is to see if this will this be enough to beat the diesel monster staying in front of the championship. Second place with over seven seconds delay for the German Searex 66 Cranefields Wine, which has shown an improving performance ever since this season started. Third time for the new Chaurdon 43 feet, which here competed with the new much awaited more powerful Mercruiser engines in replacement to Ilmor's. Fourth place for the Vector 77 Lucas Oil with a fifteen seconds delay from the first. A fifth place which apart the time which was a seventeen seconds delay from the leader surely had to celebrate for completing its first power pole. No pole for what are the other two faster boats, the championship leading diesel powered 60 Metamarine, and the 2009 Champion 88 SNAV-Kiton.
SUPERSPORT
It was a big and pleasant surprise to see Angelo Tedeschi with the 2007, and 2008 title winner 41 feet Chaudron hull 44 Kenon Caffe taking the Powerpole of Poltu Quatu. In the 90 mph speed limited class we had a few guests from the Italian championship, which obviously adds to the show of the sport. Second place and less to a second late for the always faster Fountain 81 Karelpiu. Third place for current championship leader the Donzi of 38 Baia Attolini. Nine seconds late and fourth for the Ukrainain helmed 2009 Champion boat Seagull Chaudron. Another Italian competitor what is another Donzi 38 feet powered with stern drives the 59 Crisden came fifth in a seventeen seconds late run. Sixth for the diesel powered Jolly Drive. Four boats did not compete the Nortech 17 Spirit of Belgium which stands third in the championship tables, the Outerlimits SV40 of 22 Big Sergio, the Italian Championship competitor Adriatic sea built ZL 43 feet number 18 Pratiko, and the much waited 08 Asia2011-15 new Pantera 41.
Evolution Results:
1. 33 Furnibo = 3:47,28
2. 66 Cranefields Wine - Carconnex = 3:54,52
3. 55 Ukrainian Spirit = 3:56,50
4. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge = 4:02,14
5. 47 Silverline = 4:04,30
6. 60 Metamarine = DNS
7. 88 SNAV-Kiton = DNS
Super Sport Results:
1. 44 Kenon Caffe = 4:32,90
2. 81 Karelpiu = 4:33,38
3. 38 Baia Attolini = 4:35,90
4. 43 Seagull Chaudron = 4:43,14
5. 59 Crisden = 4:49,81
6. 06 Jolly Drive = 4:55,99
7. 16 Spirit of Belgium = DNS
8. 22 Big Sergio = DNS
9. 18 Pratiko = DNS
10. 08 Asia 2011-15 = DNS
www.grandprixofthesea.com

July 9, 2010

Improve-it = Cerri 10,40 mt Tender

Cerri has just recently launched hull number six of the ten metre plus Tender model. At just over 34 feet the Cerri Tender is the entry level model which is a hard stretch from the bigger Super Yacht sisters that are the 86 Flying Sport, and 102 Flying Sport. For the history Cerri started with a small innovative walk around Sport Cruiser in 1997, with the 28 Sport designed by De Casa which the builder still build to order as of 2007. The number six of the Cerri Tender will be powered by twin Suzuki outboards of 300hp each, which deliver a 45 knots top speed and an important 350 nautical miles range at cruise. Construction is as the bigger models semi custom, with high grade Vinilester, and Isoftalic resins being used to a CE B standard. A spacious bathroom with entrance from the fore part of the central console is available below. The Cerri Tender is also tailor made for what regards colors, interior layout, and hard top choice. As has been the philosophy of Cerri, this Italian builder will do the best to accommodate the clients requests. Worth of note that the Cerri Tender has also a very competitive price considering the level of quality and customization of this unique ten meter sports boat.

New Model: Grand Banks 53 Aleutian RP

Grand Banks presents its latest new model with the launch of the much expected 53 Aleutian RP. This new Aleutian is the smallest Explorer Yacht built in this range from Grand Banks, and as you read this hull number three is under construction of what looks to become a successful model. As all Grand Banks and most of all the Aleutian series, the 53 RP represents a good compromise of classic looks with a modern feeling to the overall planning of the spaces. On the 53 Aleutian RP lower accommodation deck you find modern amenities as a full beam owners stateroom, spacious VIP suite, and a third bunk guest cabin. All this without missing two large storage rooms further aft to the midship owners cabin, which is testament to the Explorer Yacht heritage of each new Grand Banks. The main deck as any Grand Banks is spacious too, representing a real living area with a split level saloon that feels coming from a larger yacht. Spaces are abundant in all the 53 Aleutian RP from a large spacious flybridge, to ship like wide side decks, and engine room. This is thanks to a fat beam just short of five metres and a half. Power is from a standard Cummins 593hp, up to an optional choice of 705hp Cats which give a 22 knots top speed.
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.61 m (57.9ft)
Waterline Length - 15.02 m
Beam - 5.40 m
Draft - 1.45 m
Displacement - 33113kg half load
Fuel Capacity - 3785 l
Water Capacity - 1136 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSC8.3 593hp, Cat C12 ACERT 705hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 22 knots max
Construction - Cook gelcoat, Vectorply laminates, Hydrex resins, Airex core above waterline
Certification - ABYC, NMMA, CE, UL

July 8, 2010

Project: Azimut 64

During the Azimut-Benetti Group recent fourth Yachting gala held in Port Cantou, Cannes, the largest private owned power boat builder presented the Azimut 64 of the flybridge line. This new project is the natural heir and replacement of the 62 presented in 2002, updated as Evolution in 2007 with a sales success of over two hundred units in a model life span of less then eight years. From the old 62, the new 64 gains one feet in length thanks to the high low platform, half feet of more beam, heavier displacement by about four tons, bigger engines, and a similar 17 degrees Vee deadrise hull. Designed by Righini for the exterior lines this new Azimut follows recent trends as seen in the newer models from the Italian builder, as the extended with hydraulic lift bathing platform, squared bow, opening vertical windows in the full beam owners stateroom, larger view windows on the main deck, and a single level saloon. The Azimut 64 will also be advanced to what regards construction being built with Carbon fiber, and infusion process delivering an advanced built standard with lower weight and more strength which has given to this new model a CE A certification versus the B rating of the old 62. The interior will be a three cabin layout, with all cabin having there own personal shower heads. A big question here persists me if Azimut did miss a chance to make a twenty metre motor yacht with four cabins version. A spacious two person aft crew cabin among the largest in this size completes the sleeping quarters of the 64. Power will be from twin Cat 1150hp, which means 135hp more then the 62 it replaces.

July 7, 2010

Powerboat GPS - Poltu Quato Preview

Rounds 5 and 6 of the UIM 2010 World Championship Grand Prix of the sea is just couple days away. Poltu Quato on the beautiful island of Sardinia is the place to be for the next offshore powerboat races held from 9 till July 11th 2010. The schedule is the usual with boats arriving in the wonderful Poltu Quatu Yacht harbour in the Smerld Coast tomorrow Thursday, Powerpole on Friday afternoon, Sprint race on Saturday, and Endurance on Sunday.
This race just sits in the middle of the championship, so it will be curious to see if the balances shown in the first four races will be broken. The Grand Prix of Poltu Quatu is also valid for the Italian Championship, so some wild cards from Italy will also be present in this race.
A new contender will also be coming in Supersport with the much expected new boat from Ocean Dragon racing, the new 8 Pantera Racing challenge. Martin Lai who is team boss will be driving alongside builder Pantera boats boss Jo Nunez. Martin switched from a Formula 38 to a totally new Pantera 41 fitted with twin Mercury 525EFi.
EVOLUTION:
Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Points
1. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Suardi - Metamarine Corse ~ 74
Good position, and apart fast they are also reliable.
2. 33 Furnibo - 2B1 Racing Team ~ 53
Looks like the faster boat in this years circuit, do they have whats needed to take it.
3. 88 SNAV-Kiton - OSG Racing Team ~ 45
Unlucky in Malta, but OSG is always there.
4. 66 Cranefields Wine - Searex Racing Team ~ 35
Slower to the top three teams, but reliability gives points.
5. 77 Lucas Oil - Scandinavian Offshore Challenge ~ 29
A dozen seconds slower in calm water, but did not look bad in Malta.
6. 47 Silverline Racing - Silverline ~ 0
Looked fast during trials in Malta, but reliability issues keep stopping the race.
7. 55 Ukrainian Spirit - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 0
New Mercury engines arrived late in Malta. We have to wait and see.
SUPERSPORT:
1. 38 Baia Attolini - Baia Attolini ~ 77
Not the faster boat, but experience of the older boat and driver is paying up.
2. 17 Spirit of Belgium - Spirit of Belgium ~ 49
Terrible accident in Malta round 4. Still a challenger but needs to win a race.
3. 22 Big Sergio - Al & Al Racing Team ~ 44
It is a fast boat, but something is missing to be up top.
4. 43 Seagull Chaudron - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 42
Was back to its 2009 challenging ways in Malta.
5. 81 Karelpiù - RG 87 Racing Team ~ 32
Fast boat, and as winner of round 3 it showed it is a contender. Bit of experience needed.
6. 26 Team 26 - Team 26 ~ 21
Unlucky again in race 3, but round 4 was a good race. Faster boat.
7. 06 Jolly Drive - Jolly Drive Racing Team ~ 18
Reliability issues meant no races in Malta, for the only Diesel in SS class.
www.grandprixofthesea.com

July 6, 2010

INBUILD ~ Galeon 385 HT Part 2 of 7

Part two of Galeon 385 HT construction journey. For this second series we are seeing the tooling being ready for the super structure of the 385 model. As it is expected this super structure can easily accommodate the Open version. Not shown in the plans but discovered with the tooling picture above is that a garage will be located under the aft C-shaped settee. This is very unusual in a boat this size especially when this is a two cabin sport cruiser, with Galeon opting for a garage versus the more used extended bathing platform usually featured. I can also see a place for a fully retractable telescopic passarelle to starboard another unusual accessory for a 38 footer. An aggressive dropping curved shear line is also shown in this photo, remarking Tony Castro sports nature design for the 385 HT.

July 5, 2010

News: H4 Marine July 2010

MARITEX & QUICKUTTER FOR PLYMOUTH PILOT BOAT
Commercial success starts after Maritex 1-50 super innovative latest grade of high performance bearing material with lower dry friction than PTFE but mechanical strength that can support high pressures without deflection won its category at this years Seaworks innovation showcase awards. Now as it usual for the most reliable products we see commercial boats choose Maritex Aquarius grade shaft bearings to replace rubber. H4 Marine has just fitted the Plymouth pilot boat last week removing rubber bearings on their shafts to replace them with Maritex composites. At the same time H4 Marine also installed the innovative QuicKutter rope cutters to the busy Plymouth pilot boat.
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