Powerboat OGP - Malta Preview

Here we are again at the start of the 2011 season of the Powerboat Endurance championship, who after making last year without a promoter takes 2011 with Ocean Grand Prix from Malta taking care of this spectacular event.  It will be a challenge for the Maltese company, but the potential for the Endurance Series in both the Evolution and Super Sport class to become something big in the World of Motor Sport are on the cards.  The challenges for OGP are a lot, starting from the fact that the World economy still has not yet recovered fully from the 2008 and 09 recession, and continuing with restoring the believe in the championship from sponsors.

Round one of the 2011 season will start in Malta, home of Powerboat endurance races since 2004, and also to the Chaudron Powerboat, Super Sport class champion for three consecutive times from 2007 till 2009.

So far we we do not have a team list but as soon as this will be in hand we will update you with the details. Watch this spot for more.
Pole Position is scheduled for Friday at 1700 hours, Round One race on Saturday at 1600 hours, and Round Two scheduled for Sunday at the same time.

www.oceangrandprix.org

Improve-it = Absolute 64

Absolute follows what it did on the 70 flagship and presents additional choices for the propulsion of the second in size 64 model.  This modification for the fall 2009 launched 64 will give the choice to owners to have a twin propulsion and more power option versus the standard quadruple Volvo IPS configuration.  This new choice of twin Volvo largest IPS1200 units increases top speed by 2 knots.  Powered by third generation Volvo IPS and twin D-13 900hp engines the Absolute 64 now reaches a top speed of 36 knots, and a cruise of 28 knots.  The speed with the standard quadruple IPS600 435hp engines installation is for 34 max, and 27 knots cruise.  This optional choice adds only 60hp to the total power, but shows how the reduced drag of two IPS pods against four units give improved speed figures of 4% in cruise and about 7% in top speed, which should also bring similar reduction in consumption levels.

www.absoluteyachts.com 

Project: Galeon 400 Fly

Just on the heels of launching its new flagship the Galeon 780 Crystal, the Polish builder presents the project of the 400 Fly.  This model a flybridge motor cruiser is scheduled to debut after the middle of 2011, and continues Galeon collaboration with British designer Tony Castro.  As usual to Galeon and Castro the 400 Fly offers modern exterior looks with a sea capable modified Vee shaped hull, which is followed by the usual flexibility coming from this Polish builder who make the interior and technical part suiting to various client tastes.  Various options can also change the concept of the 400 Fly; from a completely fitted mini galley on the flybride, extended bathing platform for larger tender space, and an electric convertible bed on the main saloon. Inside is for a split level saloon with a C-shaped galley located on the forward part. Folding doors make sure to make this area become one whole with the aft deck.  Below is space for a standard three cabin layout; owners stateroom with en-suite head to fore, and two double guest rooms located to mid ship.  But a more luxurious two cabins version should be available in the near future.  With the three cabins choice and optional convertible bed on the main saloon, the Galeon 400 Fly sleeps eight persons in four different areas.  Power options have not yet been announced, but Galeon again shows great flexibility in the propulsion area with the 400 Fly to be available with Volvo IPS, traditional line shaft, and stern drive choices.

www.galeon.pl

Project: DSME 24m

This is an interesting project not only from a design point of view but also from a construction, of which the details where sent to me by Italian designers Francesco Rogantin and Andrea Borzelli.  It will be interesting if this Korean company known for its cars, and commercial ship construction will use its Daewoo name for its yachts.  Surely the technological know how for building alloy yachts is there, but the official Daewoo shipbuilding site has not so far given any hint of these projects. First of a series of nine models which will have sizes from twenty to 73 meters, this 24m super yacht is to be realized in aluminium and has been designed by Italian architect Andrea Borzelli  for Daewoo Shipbuilding Marine Engineering CO., LTD. and will be built in collaboration with the South Korean shipyard GHI Yachts. The naval architecture and engineering have been developed by Naval Architect and Marine Engineer Francesco Rogantin. The layout includes a main deck featured with a large lounge-dining area, day head, kitchen, pilot house and an outdoor relax area at the bow. The lower deck will offer a crew area and four cabins for eight guests; a full beam owner cabin with an ample bathroom and dressing room, two twin cabins and a VIP at the bow.  The contemporary style interior play about as light-dark and gloss-Matt contrasts through the use of different types of wood, leather, textiles, steel and lacquered surfaces in combination with a bespoke lighting project.  Top speeds up to 29 knots are predicted, but power choices are not so far announced for the Daewoo 24m which will displace over eighty tons. 

www.dsme.co.kr

New Model: Sessa C32

Sessa continues to upgrade its models and the C32 is its reply to entry level boaters.  In this sport cruiser Sessa and designer Christian Grande have used the experience coming from its larger models and presented a valuable product full of quality and clever design solutions.  The C32 offers design touches which are not much heard of in a cruiser measuring 32 feet from the hard top to the extended bathing platform where it is possible to stow the tender.  The level of comfort is important both inside and outside.  The main aft cockpit deck presents itself with a C-shaped settee, L-shaped lounger, helm station, and wet bar.  Down below the layout offers what is a standard plan in this size; U-shaped sofa to fore which becomes a double berth, galley, spacious shower head, and mid ship separate cabin with double berth.  Power is from twin Volvo 200hp diesels, or 270hp petrol gas engines.

Technical Data:

LOA - 9.75 m (31.9ft)

Length - 9.50 m

Beam - 3.00 m

Displacement - 5700 kg

Fuel Capacity - 515 l

Water Capacity - 110 l

Accommodation - 2 + 2 berths

Max Persons - 8

Engines - 2 x Volvo D3 200hp diesel, 5.0i 270hp petrol gas

Propulsion - Volvo dual propeller stern drive

Project - Christian Grande

Certification - CE B

www.sessamarine.com

Improve-it = Rampage 41 Express

The designers at Rampage have upgraded and improved the 41 Express with the enhancement of Wenge interior. This finish dark in color, exudes richness, and is now an option for those with more modern exquisite taste.  The new Wenge interior was unveiled at the 2011 Miami International Boat Show. The second in size of the Rampage fleet, but flagship of the Express range 41 is already well regarded in size and style of Sportfish Cruiser thanks to her optimum 2649 liters fuel capacity, and CAT diesel engines power from standard 575 up to optional 715hp.  The 41 Express can sleep up to six hard driving anglers in the two stateroom plan, or four in the open layout. The new Wenge wood interior gives the 41 Express a modern distinctive luxurious look with a comfortable feel.

www.rampageyachts.com

New Model: Prestige 500 Flybridge

Based on the just a couple of months before debuted 500 S of the Express Line, the Prestige 500 Flybridge offers all the winning elements found on the sport yacht plus the added bonus of fly deck with second helm and entertainment area.  The 500 Flybridge as the 500 S should be very popular in its size thanks to host of very latest design features from propulsion to the accommodation layout.  Since showing up in the market first as a Jeanneau brand a decade ago and since 2008 becoming independent Prestige has been presenting always better models and the 500 S and Flybridge are just proof to this.  We again have elements of bigger boats and latest designs, as the astern galley on the main deck, or the full beam owners suite which does not sacrifice other cabins as non of which is a bunk.  The fly which is what differs this model from the 500 S is a serious offer, here the 500 Flybridge offering a full extended well sizable area with an L-shaped settee to aft, sun pad, helm station and wet bar.  Power is by twin Volvo 435hp engines with IPS pod propulsion.  The 500 S had speed estimates of 37 knots max, if the 500 Flybridge is close to that Prestige surely have a winning model here. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.2 m (49.9ft)

Hull Length - 14.92 m

Beam - 4.50 m

Draft - 1.05 m

Displacement - 14100 kg

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 650 l

Water Capacity - 2 x 318 l

Accommodation - 6 guest berths in 3 cabins

Max Persons - 14

Engines - 2 x IPS600 D6 435hp

Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking dual propeller pods

Project - Garroni Design, JF De Premorel Concept, J&J Design, Prestige Eng.

Certification - CE B-12, C-14

www.pretige-yachts.com

Project: Lancer 277

Lancer Yachts is a new Brazilian company which will present its first upcoming model the 277 in about a months time.  The Lancer 277 will be a very open sport cruiser with very European looks from integrated windscreen, radar arch to large view windows in the hull.  The cockpit will offer an interesting C-shaped settee with central entry to and from the bathing platform.  The helm station will be located to starboard, with a relaxing sofa to port, and a central entrance for the cabin area.  The interior as can be expected from a boat measuring less to nine meters will open plan with a tradition layout of V-shaped saloon which converts to a double berth to fore, galley to port, separate shower head to starboard, and double mid ship cabin.  So far power details have not been announced.

www.lanceryachts.com.br

New Model: Riviera 53 Enclosed Flybridge

Riviera launched the latest 53 Enclosed Flybridge model at the second largest down under Sanctuary Cove boat show.  This latest Riviera designed by in house naval architect Alex Dowd follows what we have seen with the previous new model the 43 Open Flybridge continuing the evolution of flybridge models inspired by the Sport Yacht range.  Looking like a Sportfish Yacht but may be the only thing game boat here is the free aft deck, as the 53 Enclosed Flybridge does offer amenities that are more for a normal motor yacht.  The interior of the 53 Enclosed Flybridge offers a three double cabins lower deck layout, with a crew cabin located to mid ship.  The master state room as the large windows suggest is located to mid ship and will also feature a walk-in wardrobe, beauty desk, and relaxing sofa.  The other two cabins are the VIP located to fore, and a bunk double berth located to starboard.  The saloon of the 53 Enclosed Flybridge also offers a convenient layout with a very practical astern galley, and a forward area with two settees.  An interior staircase leads to the top raised pilot deck, which will have a two seat helm station, C-shaped settee, and a small wet bar with galley.  Standard power for this latest generation Riviera 53 Enclosed Flybridge is three Volvo 435hp, with options coming from twin 900hp, or Cats 1015hp engines.  Propulsion is to be pods from both Volvo IPS forward dual propellers style used in triple units or larger latest 1200 series, or ZF aft looking units.   

Technical Data:

LOA - 18.2 m (59.8ft)

Hull Length - 17.2 m

Beam - 5.13 m

Draft - 1.25 m

Displacement - 22300 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 3500 l

Water Capacity - 1200 l

Accommodation - 6 + 2 berths

Engines - 3 x Volvo IPS600 D6 435hp, 2 x IPS1200 D13 900hp , 2 x Cats C12 1015hp

Propulsion - Volvo IPS600 or IPS1200 forward looking dual propeller pods, ZF 4000 aft looking pods

Speed - 35 knots max, 28 knots cruise with IPS1200

Range - 400 nautical miles on cruise speed

Project - Alan Dowd, Riviera

Construction - Vacuum infused fiberglass resins with solid GRP, and Cored areas

www.riviera.com.au

Fuel

Here we go again in 2011 with the fuel dilemma; blame it on the politicians, excessive taxes, or speculators but the problems remains that with oil at around one hundred US$ a barrel, diesel and petrol gas will be expensive this year. The cost of fuel in the past decade has been going up no limits touching a quadruple increase before reaching its ever 147US$ high price in 2008.  As is knowledge this effects everything from electricity and our hobby for a gas or diesel guzzling motor boat.  Oil is today responsible for about 85% of our energy resources from transport to electricity.  Yes that figure is going down but that is less to 1 per cent a year.

So what does the future hold?

There is some interesting fuel technology coming up which I do like to share with you from Algae to solar capturing technology which in the future might make a big deal of change to the energy industry.  An interesting technology I came across recently is a US company called Joule Unlimited who say they can produce diesel with a bug, CO2, and solar capturing technology.  There production will start at the end of this year and it is also interesting because it does not use food as for example Ethanol or other Bio Diesel products.  Another interesting company is LS9 who can produce same as most of today used fuel from renewable sugar.   Surely both these technology look to good to be true but I do suggest to Google around and interesting is that they say can produce it at sub fifty dollars per barrel.

Yes may be these technologies web sites will present a miraculous solution to the current fuel problem, but I am today more then yesterday a believer that the current decade will mark a big change to the energy industry.  Let's hope for the better!  But think how communications evolved from 2000 to 2010, and today with a phone less the size of your hand you have Internet, TV, GPS and much more. Surely unbelievable a decade ago!