Class 1 - Norway Grand Prix 2011 Preview

Victory’s Arif Al Zafeen and Nadir bin Hendi will be the target and team to beat at this weekend’s BMW Norwegian Grand Prix (15-17 July) in Arendal, round 2 of the UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship.

The defending World Champions lead the points table after taking maximum points at the season-opener in Abu Dhabi, and will be intent on adding to their 23 career wins and maintaining the team’s enviable record in Arendal, where they have won eight times from 14 starts – winning both races last year.

Ten boats will line up for the 14th Grand Prix in Arendal since 1994, and the tens-of-thousands of partisan spectators who are expected to turn out for what is considered one of the great events and race circuits on the Class 1 tour, will be baying for a Norwegian win.

The fight for Norwegian supremacy and a win on home waters is between Welmax and Relekta; Jorn Tandberg and Christian Zaborowski won in Arendal in 2006, but nowadays line up in opposing teams, Tandberg winning again in 2008, the year he clinched the European title.

Tandberg partners Kolbjorn Selmer in the Mercury V8-powered Welmax, the all-Norwegian partnership enjoying considerable success since pairing in Arendal in 2009, taking ten podium finishes from 21 starts and six wins in pole position, five of them last year to win the Edox Pole Position Championship.

Team owner Tandberg has also confirmed they will run a second boat, ferskfisken.no - the Maritimo-designed and built hull that they ran as Welmax Alianza in Brazil last year - and will announce their driver pairing this week.

After a promising and then rather spectacular start to the year for Relekta’s Ugur Isik and Christian Zaborowski, posting fifth quickest in qualifying then crashing out in race 1, Zabo Racing has upped the stakes in its bid for silverware, buying the championship-winning hull, Fazza, from Victory Team.

The team has enjoyed a roller-coaster ride since its launch at the Norwegian Grand Prix last season, grabbing its first podium in Abu Dhabi last year and there is now an air of excitement within the team that they have the complete package to step up their title challenge.

Fendi Racing also fields a new boat whilst Austrian-based DAC Racing roll-out a cut-down version of their Tencara.

Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella will unveil their new Outerlimits boat-engine package; their decision to run with the Outerlimits hull and twin 850 SC Outerlimits Powertrain engines sees the American high-performance boat manufacturer making its debut in the UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship.

Fendi and Carpitella teamed-up in Class 1 last season and have taken two podium finishes in six starts, with Carpitella hoping they can at least repeat his three visits to the podium in Arendal last year.

DAC Racing’s Guido Cappellini is confident that the extreme modifications to his Tencara – cutting 120cm from the mid-section and reducing the overall weight by several hundred kilos – and upgrades to his Mercury engines, giving 50hp more per engine, will give him and throttleman, Giampaolo Montavoci, who starts his 100th race in Arendal, a real shot at competing at the front of the pack and challenging for race honours.

The team runs the restyled DAC 40 as kim.com for the first time in Arendal.

Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani and Steve Curtis will lead the Spirit of Qatar Team’s two-boat attack out onto the fjords, looking for the win that has so far eluded them in Class 1 since they joined forces in 2008.

And whilst they [Sheikh Hassan and Curtis] have enjoyed considerable success together, winning six times and lifting both national and world titles racing in America, they have had to settle for podium finishes - six - from their 12 starts in Class 1.

The team made an impressive return to the Championship earlier this year stepping onto the podium four times, Sheikh Hassan and Curtis grabbing two second places, with Matteo Nicolini aiming to keep the pressure on his teammates and build on his impressive performance with rookie driver Ali Al Neama, finishing third-quickest in qualifying and third in race 2 - both outfits running Victory-built hulls with SKEMA V12 engines.

And whilst Curtis is the only member of the team and one of only five of this seasons’ 22 competitors to have won in Arendal - in 2002 with Bjorn Gjelsten - both Sheikh Hassan and Nicolini - albeit now in opposing boats - will be hoping for a repeat of previous successes on Norwegian fjords in Arendal this week, the pair winning in Oslo in 2004 and in Trondheim in 2005, the year they won the European Championship.

Team Abu Dhabi has announced a change in their line-up, bringing in Emirati Majed Al Monsoori to partner wheelman, Rashed Al Tayer. Both are experienced racers; Al Tayer already a triple race-winner in Class 1 in just his second season, whilst Monsoori has come up through the ranks from Jet Ski competition and single-seater circuit racing. The duo also competes together in the XCat series and may well be a force to be reckoned with.

Chris Parsonage Racing retains the same driver-pairing with Giorgio Manuzzi alongside Norwegian throttleman Pal Virik Nilsen. The former teammates at Maritimo Offshore have both enjoyed podium success in Arendal, Manuzzi getting second and third last year and a third, behind Nilsen, in 2009.

The Grand Prix weekend gets underway with first practice on Friday afternoon. A second practice on Saturday afternoon is immediately followed by qualifying in the Edox Pole Position and race 1, with a final practice session and race 2 on Sunday.

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

1. 3 Victory Team - 40pts

2. 96 Spirit of Qatar - 30pts

3= 10 Fendi Racing - 19pts

3= 95 Spirit of Qatar - 19pts

5. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 18pts

6. 74 Poliform - 10pts

7. 50 Parsonage Racing - 8pts

8. 18 MITI - 4pts

9. 90 Welmax - 3pts

10. 91 Relekta - 2pt

www.class-1.com

Project: Aquastar 60 Classic Star

Aquastar presents a new project called 60 Classic Star with traditional yacht looks coming from the pilot boats.  The Aquastar 60 Classic Star will offer a fully customisable layout, although they still show no pictures of the plans and wether below it will be a twin or three cabins choice.  Surely the 60 Classic Stat will have a choice of a Day Saloon, or Aft Cockpit available for the main deck.  I think this will mean whether you opt to go with a patio door or a fully open aft main deck.  Aquastar says the hull of the 60 is fully derived from working pilot boats, with a tweak for added performance and a dry ride. Diverse propulsion choices are also part of the 60 Classic Star from twin jet drives with minimum draft, to triple IPS pods choices, or traditional line shafts.  In any case with the largest and most efficient option Aquastar says a top speed of 38 knots is to be expected.

www.aquastar.gg

New Model: Island Pilot 535

Launched during the Miami Show the Island Pilot 535 represents the second yacht in this builder range, and joins the 435 model.  Designed by George Petrie and Reuben Trane the 535 continues Island Pilot unusual styling which makes away of current trends and just as the smaller 435 is powered by IPS pods with a very efficient hull shape.  As the web site of the builder says Island Pilot is all about a new approach to a cruising yacht or cruiser. Other interesting features are also the Seakeeper gyro stabilizers which is supplied as standard, which according to Island Pilot is the only maker to do this. Down below the Island Pilot is a project of two large staterooms yacht; owner room to midships, and VIP guest to fore.  But for this you also have two living areas below with C-shaped dinette opposite the galley and on the main deck.  There is also a third day head located on the lower deck. Power is from twin Volvo 700hp engines which give a top speed of 30 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 17.37 m (57ft)

Length Hull - 16.3 m

Waterline Length - 14.3 m

Beam - 5.15 m

Draft - 1.40 m

Displacement - 27215 kg

Fuel Capacity - 2271 l

Water Capacity - 757 l

Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 700hp

Propulsion - Volvo IPS900 dual propeller forward looking pods

Speed - 30 knots max, 28 knots max cruise, 18 knots economic, 8 knots economic displacement

Project - George Petrie Naval Architect, Reuben Trane

www.islandpilot.com

Project: Riviera 4400 Sport Yacht Series II

Riviera will launch at the soon to come Sydney boat show the Series II of the 4400 Sport Yacht model, which will feature a redesign of the exterior with some important visible changes to this successful model which presented in 2007 has sold since then over seventy units.  Considering the World economy was in a recession this was a super result by Riviera for this model.  The Series II main difference will be the feature of large side windows on the hull from fore to midships, and redesign of the hardtop also with larger glassed surfaces and now looking more aggressive and extended.  The coach roof of the 4400 Sport Yacht Series II looks a bit similar to that of the 5800 but maintains the traditional feel of the original design.  Other changes will be better headroom in the midships cabin, larger dash which take bigger electronics displays, and a seat located aft by the bathing platform.  A feature which has been much appreciated in the 5800 Sport Yacht.  The 4400 Sport Yacht Series II standard power will be for twin IPS600 with 435hp Volvo engines.  But the new Series II will also offer the choice of twin  Cummins 480hp with ZF Zeus aft looking pod drives. 
www.riviera.com.au

Project: DSME 43m

Daewoo Shipyard and Marine Engineering i.e. DSME presents the second project for its new super yacht line with this 43M boat.  The new project is the second so far presented of a design set, developed for DSME, by Italian designers and architects Andrea Borzelli and Francesco Rogantin.  Th other model which we showed you a couple weeks back is the 24M. The 43M is characterized by a dynamic style that plays with square angles and continuous glass surfaces which create a dialogue between interior and exterior.  Designed by Andrea Borzelli Architect with the cooperation of Francesco Rogantin for Naval Architecture and Engineering, this almost 43m long yacht is available with a four or five guest cabins lower deck layout with crew quarters in the bow area and a beach club and the garage astern. In the main deck, an aft relax area and an over sixty square meter saloon welcome the guests on board. At bow there is the master cabin featured by a big office, a walk-in closet and, if requested, a balcony at starboard side.  Between the main saloon and the owner cabin there is the lobby with a large staircase and a day bathroom, plus a technical area with galley, pantry and access to the crew quarters.  Two folding balconies along the side passages are positioned at mid saloon creating a nice airy-space feeling.  The upper deck’s main characteristic is an open relax area at bow, with sofas and sun beds beyond the wheel house. A second saloon, a day head, the captain’s cabin, a pantry area and an open aft dining area complete this deck’s features.  Finally, the 14 meter long sun deck is equipped with a Jacuzzi at bow, dining tables and sun beds.  The interior style and the layout are open to the potential owners  suggestions and needs.  Power is to be from twin 1050hp engines which should speed in the region of 14 knots max, and 13 of cruise.

www.dsme.co.kr

Improve-it = Botnia 37 Targa

Botnia Marin from Finland presents a new Comfort Fore Cabin for its Targa 37 model. As for the Targa 35 the 37 new CFC offers a totally new level of comfort on board, and adds more storage space. This alternative layout of the fore deck and cabin features a raised area with secure railing and easy movement. Inside, the CFC adds to more space, storage, head room, and the option of a second head. Just as the two feet smaller sister, for the Targa 37 this has produced two alternative bed layouts; a double drawn to starboard side, or a Vee-shaped berth. An optional toilet in the fore cabin is also available raising privacy and flexibility on board.  An optional sun pad is also available now on the raised part of the fore deck. 

www.targa.fi

Project: Horizon E54 Aero

Horizon presents its latest project the E54 Aero a motor yacht which is to be powered by Volvo IPS drive technology, an eco-friendly design, spacious interior volume, and efficient ride.  Driven by environmental awareness in manufacturing and operation, the Horizon E54 Aero is a modern yacht not only in looks and construction but also in its usage. Exterior styling to the E54 Aero is by JC Espinosa who created a modern streamlined profile, accentuated by large E-glass windows and an oversize windshield for enhanced natural light, increased visibility, and panoramic views. The three stateroom two head layout is comparable to that of a larger yacht, with thoughtfully-designed accommodations that maximize space while retaining an open feel. The IPS drive’s aft location provides increased interior volume, allowing a full-beam master with a walk-in closet, master head and room to spare for either a desk or seating. A guest stateroom with twin bunks is forward and to starboard, with a shared head to port and the highly spacious VIP cabin completely forward.  For entertaining with a view, the E54 Aero flybridge features sun pads and alfresco dining for eight, and a newly designed helm station with dynamic positioning system makes maneuvering and docking easy. The aft deck seating area seats six, with the option for an aft galley location that provides easy access to the aft deck, and a hydraulic high low swim platform and transom trunk storage proves ideal for a multitude of water sport activities.  The twin Volvo IPS900 with 670hp engines will give a top speed of 34 knots, and a cruise of 28 knots to the Horizon E54 Aero.  Hull number one was sold to a down under client and is scheduled for delivery at the end of this year.

www.horizonyacht.com

New Model: Jet Tern 43 Artemis

Jet Tern continues to upgrade its planning European looking motor boat series, and this new 43 Artemis is the entry level of this range from the Chinese builder.  The 43 Artemis is the second model in this line up and follows the launch of the 46 model, which has since then been renamed as 48.  But further two projects for a 68/70, and a 55 are on the upcoming for the Artemis range.  The Jet Tern 43 Artemis offers a two cabins lower deck plan, with a Vee shaped berth to fore, and an owners master room to port side midships.  The galley is located below, and on the main deck is located the living with an L-shaped settee, drawers entertainment cabinet opposite, and a lower helm.  Engines are a standard of twin Yanmar 380hp which do deliver a quite slow top speed of 25 knots, to the rather heavy 16 tons loaded 43 Artemis. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 13.36 m (43.9ft)

Hull Length - 13.06 m

Length Waterline - 11.40 m

Beam - 4.10 m

Draft - 1.07 m

Displacement - 16.1 t full load

Fuel Capacity - 1300 l

Water Capacity - 490 l

Accommodaiton - 4 berths in 2 cabins

Engines - 2 x Yanmar 6 LY3-YUTP 380hp 

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 25 knots max

www.seleneoceanyachts.com

Project: Bavaria 34 Sport HT

As is classic to the last couple years Bavaria strategy, the German boat builder follows the standard open version of the 34 Sport with the HT for hard top version.  Considering how much hard top models are in demand in the last couple years I am still surprised how this sort of concept is not followed often by other builders.  Considering the minimum expense in tooling and the benefits a hard top cruiser usually gives.  The 34 Sport HT builds its foundations on the standard model with the same cockpit, and high free board which allow for a spacious two cabins interior.  Engine power will be in five choices of petrol and diesel, single or twin.  Although my preferred choice has to be for the twin Volvo 220 or 260hp diesel engines.  This giving the 34 Sport HT the added safety of twin engines, and also good speed, making it suitable more for longer cruises.  

www.bavaria-yachtbau.com

New Model: Intermarine 60

The Brazilian boat builder Intermarine founded in 1973 continues the path into its new course as outlined in the fall of 2010 and presents the first of its fully made in house motor yachts and cruisers.  First to launch of this new era for Intermarine which will feature seven models is the 60 designed by Fernando de Almeida together with the yard's technical department.  As the above picture shows the Intermarine 60 is a very European looking design, with a curvy futuristic exterior line, and large glass surfaces featured in every area.  But a larger to the usual aft deck which is something of high demand in Brazil is also to be found in the very wisely designed 60 which shows the long term experience of Intermarine maturing in its own designs.  The main deck living interior area of the 60 offers a split level saloon; with C-shaped sofa, dining table, galley, and helm station.  Down below is the space for three double guest cabins all featured with a personal en-suite shower head. The middle cabin is also equipped with sliding single beds which on the occasion can also become a double berth. The owners stateroom located to midships features a dinette breakfast table to starboard side by the large view windows.  An intelligent option in the owners room is that the dinette can be changed to a sofa, chaise lounge, or vanity desk depending on your preference. To aft is a larger to the usual twin berths crew cabin also served with shower head.  The flybridge offers two sunbathing areas to fore and aft, between the C-shaped dinette, with a helm station, and wet bar located to port side. Power is from twin Volvo 900hp engines which will give a wide open throttle speed of 33 knots. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 18.4 m (60.3ft)

Hull Length - 18.05 m

Beam - 4.90 m

Draft - 1.45 m

Displacement - 26 t dry

Fuel Capacity - 2200 l

Water Capacity - 640 l

Accommodation - 6 guest berths in 3 cabins, 2 crew berths in 1 cabin

Engines - 2 x Volvo D13 900hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 33 knots max, 28 knots cruise

Project - Fernando de Almeida, Intermarine

www.intermarine.com.br