October 25, 2010

New Model: Austin Parker AP72 Fly

After starting its relaunching program in the most difficult times with the Fulvio De Simoni designed 42 Open just about a year ago, Austin Parker launches its third model with the AP72 Fly, the new flagship. The AP 72 Fly is a traditional yacht which inspires itself above the waterline to the classic down east lobster boat lines, but with a planning Vee hull below. Classic cues are the upright bow, or the smart ship sides, but none the less although still being a very sea keeping vessel down below there is little taking from the lobster collecting boats of the down East US. The AP72 Fly wants to compete with similar traditional lobster inspired yachts as the Mochi, Abati and the French Arcoa just to name a few. For sure it is presenting itself with all the credits to make a big challenge, with its very Italian style finished four cabin interior wrapping up well with the exterior De Simoni looks. Surely the video also shows a boat which navigates very nice, and takes moderate seas with extreme ease. So far Abati has started its new course in good direction with the company declaring to having sold nine in less to a year of the 42 Open, and three of this 72 Fly. Good job to them and designer De Simoni who presented very qualified looks to all the range.
Technical Data:
LOA - 21.75 m (71.3ft)
Beam - 6.25 m
Displacement - 45 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 5140 l
Water Capacity - 1000 l
Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 1 crew cabin
Max Persons - 16
Engines - 2 x Man V12 1400hp
Propulsion - line shaft vee drive with ZF2000 IV
Speed - 34 knots max, 30 knots cruise
Range - 340 nm at cruise speed
Project - Fulvio De Simoni
www.austinparker.com

October 24, 2010

Projects: Benetti Class 164 Vision Supreme, Benetti Class 132 Classic Supreme

After presenting its new semi custom Class line, which also meant the introduction of five new models, Benetti enriches this with two further totally new projects. Unlike the other projects introduced, these two models are totally new, design from up to down, and hull shape. The 164 Vision Supreme above will be the largest of Benetti's Class semi custom line and is designed by Stefano Righini exterior, and Francois Zuretti interior. Definitely semi custom here is an under statement as the only thing the same will just be the outside. Accommodation in this three decks plus flybridge super yacht will be for twelve guests and eleven crew. Speed is an estimated 16 knots with twin Cat engines. At 49 meters the 164 Vision Supreme is also a new challenge for the Azimut Benetti Group, as it will be its largest ever made fiberglass construction. Both the two new Benetti projects represent a challenge to the since 1873 founded builder, as the Vision above is the largest fiberglass construction ever made, the 132 Classic Supreme hits to one of the most sold super yachts. The Classic series first as 35, then as 120, and now as 121 has sold over fifty units in less to a ten year span surely a top selling number for a thirty five metre plus of length Super Yacht. The new Classic Supreme 132 will be a forty meter three decks plus flybridge deck, and will sit between the smaller top selling 121 Classic, and larger 140 Crystal. Design is again to Stefano Righini exterior, and Francois Zuretti interior. Accommodation is for ten guests in five cabins, and seven crew members. Twin Cat engines should give a 15 knots top speed to a RINA Cross of Malta Class fiberglass constructed 132 Classic Supreme.
www.benettiyachts.it

October 23, 2010

New Model: Ferretti Custom Line 26 Navetta Crescendo

Ferretti Custom Line presented the new 26 Navetta Crescendo in Cannes what is the first model to be produced in the new semi-displacement line. Crescendo is Italian for growing although Ferretti press department explains that it represents the note build up phase in classic music. The 26 Navetta Crescendo is the natural development of the previous 26 Navetta the smallest of the semi-displacement line, and continues the never stopping close working relationship between Studio Zuccon International Project, Ferretti Group Advanced Yacht Technology naval research and design centre, and the team of architects designers at the recently opened Centro Stile of Ferretti Group. This new model is a rethinking of the previous model with more stream line shaped features in more synthesis the main deck and upper deck windows but still complementing the usual classical external Navetta lines. Light coloured elm wood was chosen for hull one, with sand and dove grey colours used for on-board details create a warm, welcoming environment. Still Ferretti Custom Line points out that furnishings, fabrics and decor can be personalised according to owners’ preferences who, with the aid of the Centro Stile architects and designers, can choose from the proposals offered by top Italian and international companies. Inside the 26 Navetta Crescendo can accommodate eight or ten guests, depending on the layout chosen. But in both cases, the owners enjoys the best location as his master suite is located on the main deck. Crew accommodation is four persons.
Technical Data:
LOA - 26.22 m (86ft)
Hull Length - 23.98 m
Waterline Length - 21.60 m
Beam - 6.93 m
Draft - 2.16 m
Displacement - 83 t unloaded, 99.51 t fully loaded
Fuel Capacity - 12400 l
Water Capacity - 2000 l
Accommodation - 10 guests in 5 cabins
Max Persons - 20
Engines - 2 x Man V8 900hp, V10 1100hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 16 knots max 13 knots cruise with 1100hp, 14 knots max, 12 knots cruise with 900hp
Range - 1500 nm at 10 knots economic cruise with 900hp, 1380 nm with 1100hp
Project - Zuccon super structure interior, Ferretti AYT hull
Certification - RINA CE 2003/44 A, B + F + Aa Sound Emissions for modules
www.customline-yacht.com

October 22, 2010

New Model: Viking 70 Convertible

Viking launches the new 70 Convertible which completes the change into its bigger sized models which all come with the introduction of the Super Sportfish 82 flagship introduced two years ago. In my understanding the 70 Convertible should replace the 68, and takes look cues from the 76, and 82 models on the outside with a raked stem which has eight feet of free board on the bow, and the sheer line that tapers aft to just three feet. The aft deck cockpit features a nineteen squared metres area, with observation mezzanine that provides ample stowage, multiple freezers, an insulated refrigerated drink box in the salon entrance step, plenty of drawers, and engine room access. The lower cockpit fish combat area provides a sizeable fish box, a stowage compartment, and an available live well beneath the molded nonslip sole, and at the transom. The accommodation for the saloon is a flush open deck having a forward galley with three bar stools, L-shaped sofa, and dinette. Standard lower deck accommodation is for four double cabins all with en-suite heads. Cabins three and four offer both bunk berths, and the master room is located to mid ship. A tournament proven center console helm on the flying bridge features three adjustable Murray helm seats, port and starboard lounges each with rod stowage below and aft facing jump seats, and third lounge ahead of the helm. Power options to the Viking 70 Convertible are a total of four choices from MAN, Cats, and MTU from standard 1550 to 2600hp. Hull one of the 70 Convertible featured the biggest choice of twin MTU 2600hp which touched a wide open throttle speed of 43 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 21.37 m (70.9ft)
Beam - 6.00 m
Draft - 1.65 m
Displacement - 56307 kg
Fuel Capacity - 7570 l
Water Capacity - 1393 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 2 crew in 1 cabin
Engines - 2 x MAN V12 CRM 1550hp, Cat C32A 1925hp,
MTU 2000-V16 M93 2400hp, MTU 2000-V16 M94 2600hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 43 knots max with MTU 2600hp
Hull - convex Vee with sharpened waterline sections
www.vikingyachts.com

Project: Beneteau 32 Antares

After revamping all the Antares range in the 2009 season Beneteau presents the project for a new 32 in this range. Designed by Sarrazin the 32 Antares, is based on the 30 and will be the smallest twin engined flybridge in the Beneteau range. As to everything there is two sides of every coin and while the twin engines of the 32 Antares gives easier manoeuvrability in port, better balance underway, and greater security you will be paying a price for more fuel of about 30% at the pump and a double to service and parts. Accommodation for the 32 Antares offers a two cabin interior same to the 30, minus the engine room. Sizes are all also the same to the single engined 30 Antares, although beam is surprisingly slimmer by six centimetres for the twin engined 32 Antares. www.beneteau.com

New Model: Haines 400

Haines is a UK builder mostly known at home who specialize on British looking motor cruisers. This Norfolk based boat builder recently launched its latest flagship model the 400 which was presented the past July, and made its official debut during the Southampton 2010 show. Although I found about them only recently, Haines has been in business for thirty years since 1980, and is good to see a company still believing in improving and taking to the future a British looking design. The new Haines 40o is as any pure British cruiser a forty feet aft cabin motor cruiser with a superstructure design by Justin Haines. Having contemporary British looks with proven sea keeping ability, the 400 represents a leap forward for Haines upgrading its size by five feet from its previous large offer, but having also choices at heart in hull shape planning or displacement, engines single or twin, wood type options, but also for a further dinette to port which reduces the galley size. The 400 incorporates latest trends toward light spacious living areas, with large bonded windows and roof hatches. The exterior plan offers a large enclosed aft deck area with seating for eight, double helm to starboard with an easy to operate canopy, and wide side decks for safety which lead to the fore deck sunbathing area cushions forward. Interior accommodation plan presents a U-shaped saloon, entertainment centre with TV on the aft bulk head, and galley with two large double master cabins with spacious en-suites below. The galley is an impressive feature of the 400 with spaces abounding and full beam offset size from port to starboard sides and includes a large stainless fridge freezer, four burner hob, combination oven microwave, and good work top space. Fitting out is in light oak veneer finish with walnut steps, flooring to the galley, feature panels, along with blinds to all windows giving a contemporary look. Hull one which featured a planning hull was fitted with twin Volvo 330hp engines giving 30 knots wide open throttle speeds. Important to note that choices are part of the 400 not only in hull shape planning or displacement, engines single or twin, wood type options, but also for a further dinette to port which reduces the galley size.
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.90 m (40ft)
Beam - 4.03 m
Draft - 1.06 m
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 500 l
Water Capacity - 450 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 330hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 30 knots max with 330hp
Hull - planning, semi displacement shape
Project - Justen Haines lines
Certification - RCD CE B
www.hainesmarine.co.uk

October 21, 2010

Projects: Calafuria 30 Swim Version, Calafura 30 Fly

Calafuria is a known boat builder in Italy who built his fame for building sea worthy boats, and was also among the first to introduce modern hull solutions to the traditional local Italian fishing boat the Gozzo. Here Calafuria presents two new projects, both based on the same 30 platform. Showing the rendering above is the 30 Swim Version which is a closed pilot type traditional cruiser which features modern touches which add better on board living solutions. Options are also at heart in this project offering a total of three variations to the interior. Choices vary from separate owners room, to a Vee twin berth, and galley up or down. The 30 Fly is in fact a reediting of the same previous model which is shorter in overall length by 59 centimeters, and wider by two. The most visible difference for this new version is the flybridge which has more modern looks. Options are again a part of this project which has choices for three variations, here concerning always the lower deck. A different option in this size is surely the lower deck fully dedicated fully to a single cabin having a settee, separate shower room, head, and central island berth. You also have a four berth open plan choice. In all the choices the galley remains on the main deck. Power for both these new Calafuria 30 model which in fact over 34 feet is for a max twin 320hp diesel engines choice.

New Model: Italian Yachts 72 Jaguar

Since I saw the rendering for the new Italian Yachts 72 Jaguar over a year ago I was inspired by its looks, mostly because it has a very sport profile to its lines. Designer Roberto Angel who comes from the school of designer Paolo Caliari this one being a big contributor in the seventies and eighties to the copied by everyone Italian modern yacht, keeps the Jaguar heritage to the entry level Genoa built Italian Yachts 72, and presented an aggressive looking sport yacht which looks going fast even when tied up. But the 72 Jaguar is not only this. It also features practical elements like its deep side decks, which take you safely to the fore peak but here developing into a full beam protected area. The fore deck is also a clever and modular having an area with a forward looking settee, and a different central circle shaped sun pad. Not a first here as another Italian builder located more South presented this on its flagship model two years ago but surely cool, and apart this it does not interfere the helmsman view if persons are seated on the sunpad while underway. I wonder what kind of choices one can do to that circle shaped sun pad. May be for extravagant clients a small jacuzzi pool can be fitted, or for the more practical ones this can be made to transform to a circle shaped dinette. The standard accommodation plan for the Italian Yachts 72 Jaguar offers three double cabins all with private heads. The owners stateroom is located to mid ship, while the VIP suite is to fore. Crew accommodation is for two members in a separate cabin. Power to the 72 Jaguar is from twin MTU 1500hp standard or 1600hp optional, with ZF Searex surface drives propulsion giving a wide open throttle max speed of 45 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 21.72 m (71.2ft)
Beam - 5.60 m
Draft - 1.00 m ex props
Displacement - 49 t
Fuel Capacity - 5500 l
Water Capacity - 1000 l
Accommodation - 6 guest berths in 3 cabins, 2 crew berths in single cabin
Max Persons - 16
Engines - 2 x MTU M93 2000 10V 1500hp, M94 2000 10V 1600hp
Propulsion - ZF Searex Surface Drives
Speed - 45 knots max, 35 knots cruise
Hull - Vee shape with 7 degrees deadrise aft
Construction - biaxial mat fiberglass reinforced plastic
Project - Roberto Angel
Certification - CE RINA A
www.italianyachts.it

October 20, 2010

Improve-it = Linssen 25.9 Grand Sturdy

Linssen Yachts takes a course of innovation introducing a 25.9 Grand Sturdy with a hybrid propulsion system. For this improved unique 25.9 Grand Sturdy Linssen adopted the new Mastervolt E Power which uses the DriveMaster 7.5 Ultra electric motor, combined with a 48 V Mass Combi, and four LI-ION batteries what becomes a particularly efficient drive system. The DriveMaster arrangement is backed up by one of Mastervolt’s proven 3kW Whisper Generators to cope with the power demands of serious cruising and longer voyages. When travelling slowly, the main arrangement will provide up to eight hours of relaxed, fully electric cruising facilitated by the lack of vibration, engine noise or exhaust fumes. At cruising speed, the range is around 3 hours without generator backup. At the end of the day on the water, manoeuvring into a berth becomes a pleasure, helped by the high torque provided at lower engine revs. Another integral part of the electric propulsion system being installed on the 25.9 Grand Sturdy hybrid version is Mastervolt’s 48 V Mass Combi combined battery charger and inverter. This intelligent power management system combines a sophisticated battery charger with a pure sine wave inverter. On the Linssen 25.9 Grand Sturdy, it will ensure smooth battery charging and drive power when the boat is using the Mastervolt Whisper Generator for extra motoring range.
www.linssenyachts.com

New Model: Maritimo 440 Offshore Convertible

Maritimo presents its new entry level model with the 440 Offshore Convertible which is a cruiser usable for fishing. This means it is not a pure big game machine as the experts of the genre will notice but none the less it still can be used for some competitions. Presented by Maritimo's boss Bill Barry-Cotter during the opening of the Sydney boat show the new 440 Offshore Convertible is a very competitive Sportfish Cruiser, and features unseen solutions in this size like the internal staircase to the enclosed bridge. It also has other extraordinary features as astern galley, bi-fold doors which open the saloon to the aft deck, and buoyancy tanks in the engine room. This last feature introduced first in the Sanctuary Cove presented Maritimo C47 Sports Cabriolet. The interior offers a three cabin two head plan, with owners room forward, and two cabins to mid-ship. The main deck presents a split area saloon, with the welcoming galley looking aft, and the fore part having two L-shaped settees. Helm station is on the three part covered, forward and side raised bridge. Power is from twin Volvo 435hp with IPS pod drives.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.8 m (48.5ft)
Hull Length - 14.8 m
Beam - 4.68 m
Draft - 1.10 m
Displacement - 14500 kg
Fuel Capacity - 1800 l
Water Capacity - 400 l
Accommodation - 5 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS600 D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking dual propeller pods
www.maritimo.com.au