Class 1 - 2012 Season Preview

Nine boats will line up in Doha for the Pearl Qatar Grand Prix, 14-17 March, the opening round of the 2012 UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, marking the sport’s return to Doha for the first time since 2009 with the Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF), the event organiser, moving the location from the relative shelter of Doha Bay to the more open water and hoped-for rougher conditions to be found off the Pearl of Qatar.

2012 sees the Championship start its 49th season since being recognised and sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the world governing body for powerboating, and marks the 21st anniversary of the ‘modern era’ that saw the sport return to a multiple-venue World Championship in 1992.

It is hard to predict who will win in Qatar, or titles in 2012, but based on the fact that Dubai’s Victory Team’s run of consecutive world crowns is running at five, and the impressive performances by Arif Al Zafeen and Mohammed Al Marri in the final two races of 2011 in Dubai to clinch the team’s eleventh World title, it will take a herculean effort by their challengers to break their vice-like grip on the Sam Griffith Trophy.

With four-time World Champion, Nadir Bin Hendi ‘provisionally suspended’ by the UIM, Arif Al Zafeen will again partner Mohammed Al Marri – the duo boasting six World titles between them – and will start as favourites and the team to beat as Al Zafeen goes for his third straight win in Doha.

If how to beat Victory is at the top of the teams’ ‘most wanted’ list, the on-going situation facing officials is the cry by some teams for greater parity between the screeching V12s and the thunderous V8s.

In 2011 the mighty V12 was all-conquering, a quartet of outfits running V12s leading home a trio of those opting for the V8s in the title race, with the V8 runners managing just three podium appearances – one of those upgraded to a win courtesy of a Victory DQ.

To ease the situation, officials have upped the rpm for the Mercury 850Sci V8 supercharged engines to 6350rpm from 6100rpm with modifications to the torque/power curve.

Of the eight challengers who will line up against Victory, the most fancied challengers could be the two-boat assault of the silver-and-crimson-clad Spirit of Qatar Team.

Their much-anticipated return to racing last year was a success, with Sheikh Hassan and Steve Curtis winning their first race together in Class 1 since teaming up in 2008 and taking the European title, whilst teammates Ali Al Neama and Matteo Nicolini took a win in Italy and the Edox Pole Position Championship – the team finishing second and third overall in the title race.

The team and its current line-up has had mixed success in Doha since Qatar hosted its first Class 1 Grand Prix in 2002; Sheikh Hassan and Nicolini have enjoyed multiple podium finishes but a win has eluded both - the team’s only win on home waters was in 2006 courtesy of Abdullah Al Sulaiti and Lino di Biase - whilst Curtis, as a rival with Spirit of Norway, has won five times in Qatar.

DAC Racing field a new line up in the V8 Mercury-powered Poliform with Guido Cappellini – now recovered from a broken ankle sustained in a road accident in Italy last month – joined by Class 1 debutant, Italian Gian Maria Gabbiani, moving over from four-wheel competition and up from endurance racing in the Italian powerboat championship.

Cappellini’s credentials as a powerboat racer speak for themselves; he has won the F1H2O World title ten times, and since switching into Class 1 in 2010 has made the podium several times, and on his home waters of Lake Como at the Italian Grand Prix last year he grabbed his first win.

Norway rolls out two teams; a last gasp reshuffle at Welmax Offshore Racing has reversed plans laid out in 2011 to run a two-boat line-up, which would have seen newcomer William Nocker teaming-up with 2008 European Champion Jorn Tandberg. Instead, the team has announced they will run one outfit in Qatar with Norwegian throttleman Bjorge Jackobsen joined in the cockpit of the Mercury V8-powered Maritimo-designed Welmax, by Brazilian Paul Gaiser – the duo mustering 23 starts collectively, with Gaiser taking his only podium in Abu Dhabi in 2010.

Fellow Norwegian outfit, Zabo Racing, will be hoping to start their season where they left off in 2011, with Ugur Isik and race and pole position winner Christian Zaborowski producing a strong showing to put Relekta on the podium in Dubai.

Fendi Racing will be looking to put behind them a frustrating 2011; a promising start with a podium was soon forgotten as their new Outerlimits hull-V8 engine package failed to deliver and they fared little better with the switch to SCAM V12s, and have confirmed a third switch of engines, opting to run Sterling V8s in 2012.

Team owner-driver Luca Formilli Fendi will again partner the experienced stick-man Giovanni Carpitella, the pair grabbing two podiums from their ten starts together since forming up in 2010 - Carpitella taking his two Grand Prix wins in Uddevalla, Sweden.

Team Abu Dhabi has confirmed driver Rashed Al Tayer and throttleman Majed Al Mansoori; the Emirati duo paired twice last year, teaming-up for the first time in the BMW Norwegian Grand Prix in Arendal and again at the end of the year in Dubai, grabbing their first podium together in race 2, with Team Abu Dhabi finishing fourth overall in the title race.

Italian outfit Team D’Alessio-SCAM will be starting their first full season in Class 1 after joining the Championship midway through last year at the Italian Grand Prix. But with throttleman Luca Nicolini side-lined through injury, there is an eleventh hour call up for Norway’s Pal Virik Nilsen, with former F1H2O star Massimo Roggiero taking the wheel to make his Class 1 debut.

Teams take to the water for the first of three official practice sessions on Wednesday, 14 March followed by official qualifying in the Edox Pole Position at 14:30hrs.

Race 1 of the Pearl Qatar Grand Prix starts at 15:00hrs on Thursday with race 2 at 15:00hrs on Saturday, 17 March.
www.class-1.com

New Model: Bavaria 39 Sport

Bavaria presents the new 39 Sport, which is more a revisit of the 38 model now incorporating sleek hull windows, new stern construction, and more luxurious options.  These new changes of windows and stern give the new 39 Sport a more dynamic appearance on the water. In addition, new optional exclusive hull colour scheme and sporty design stripes are also available upon request to the 39 Sport. In the cockpit, folding bench seats provide generous amounts of additional storage. Below deck a two cabins sleeping four, a convertible saloon in two double berths, and galley are fitted in quality furnishings, equipment and veneers demonstrating the 39 Sport.  This new 39 Sport also features a new optional full teak finish for the deck. The spacious salon is furnished in fine carpet. Also available is a full lighting package for the perfect ambiance both above and below deck and a high-quality Fusion sound system with performance speaker settings.  Power choice is for five engines from standard twin Mercruiser gas petrol of 320hp, and Volvo diesels from 260 up to 370hp.   

Technical Data:

LOA - 11.8 m (38.7ft)

Hull Length - 11.65 m

Beam - 3.99 m

Draft - 1.05 m

Displacement - 8200 kg

Fuel Capacity - 720 l

Water Capacity - 250 l

Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths

Max Persons - 12

Engines - 2 x Mercruiser 377 Mag DTS 320hp Gas Petrol, 2 x Volvo D4 EVC 260hp, D4 EVC 300hp, D6 EVC 330hp, D6 EVC 370hp diesel

Propulsion - dual propeller stern from Mercruiser Bravo III or Volvo DP

Project - BMW Group DesignWorkUSA

Certification - CE B
www.bavaria-yachtbau.com

New Model: Azimut 120 SL

The 120 SL is definitely one of the most awaited models in the Azimut fleet, and considering the success of the 2003 launched S fleet this had to be expected.  The sales numbers of the Azimut S has always been impressive; with the first model the 68 sold to over fifty units in less to a year at its time, and the second the 86 over ten in the same period.  Designed as all Azimut fleet minus the Magellano range by Stefano Righini the 120 SL makes part of the Grande fleet, and is the current flagship of the Italian builders line up, although projects of a 126 tri-deck are in development stages.  The new sports flagship of Azimut as the smaller 103 SL features a sport flybridge.  Below in standard layout is space for four double guest cabins with an owners stateroom located to midships.  An enclosed galley is located in between the cabins.  Crew cabins are three sleeping from four to six located with a lobby to midships between the engine and owners room.  Power is a triple MTU engine set up of 2434hp each with water jets propulsion giving a top speed of 36 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 35.5 m (116.6ft)

Beam - 7.90 m

Draft - 1.50 m

Displacement - 148 t

Fuel Capacity - 18000 l

Water Capacity - 3000 l

Accommodation - 8 guest in 4 cabins, 6 or 4 crew in 3 cabins

Engines - 3 x MTU 16V2000 M93 2434hp

Propulsion - jet dives

Speed - 36 knots max, 23 cruise

Project - Stefano Righini

www.azimutyachts.com    

Project: Hatteras GT63 Enclosed Flybridge

Hatteras presents the project of the new GT63 Enclosed Flybridge which features a spacious area in replacement to the open bridge, with an optional interior stairwell. The massive helm station has room for up to three main touch-screen monitors as well as ancillary controls and communication equipment, and an elevated L-shaped lounge provides a commanding view in any direction. Aft of the enclosure is secondary helm station and bench seating with additional storage. As on the standard model, the GT63 Enclosed Flybridge provides a great deal of comfort throughout, and does so without compromising on performance.  Thanks to the upper Enclosed Flybridge, this GT63 should offer even more interior accommodation in the four cabins three heads, or three cabins three head layouts of the standard open bridge version. The Hatteras GT63 Enclosed Flybridge has a top end of 40 knots in a real-world environment when powered by twin CAT 1900hp.

www.hatterasyachts.com

New Model: Fairline 38 Targa GT

Sometimes official pictures are hard to come by, so I had to take this from a YouTube video, to be exact the one from the Motorboat and Yachting team. Presented officially in the past Southampton boat show, the Fairline 38 Targa GT is the hard top version of the open model presented in 2005, and since then always gaining a growing number of success.  This new hardtop 38 Targa GT puts Fairline in competition with other European builders offering the same style of sport cruiser, and I see a close battle for British sales with the just launched Princess V39, and the two hundred plus delivered Sealine 35 SC. The hardtop is also a clever nice looking design extending to cover nearly all the aft deck without disturbing the nice lines of this boat. Thanks to this, use of canvas canopies only features three parts, these covering sides and aft part. Fairline once in the development of the hardtop where also clever to tweak it in other areas incorporating the following new items as well; three vertical view windows per side of midships cabin, option of a small child berth also in the mid room, and the choice of the new Volvo 400hp stern drive diesels.  This new engines option gives impressive max speeds of 45 knots. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 12.13 m (39.9ft) inc gunwale

Hull Length - 11.06 m

Beam - 3.64 m

Draft - 1.02 m unloaded

Displacement - 7.57 t unloaded

Fuel Capacity - 636 l

Water Capacity - 296 l

Accommodation - 4 + 2, or 5 + 2 berths

Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 EVC 260hp, D4 EVC 300hp, D6 EVC 370hp, D6 EVC 400hp

Propulsion - Volvo duoprop stern drive

Speed - 33 knots max with 260hp, 45 knots with 400hp

Hull Type - modified Vee with 18 degrees deadrise aft

Construction - hand laid fiberglass with unidirectional and biaxial woven rovings, Isophtalic resin and gel coat with Powder bound mat, polyurethane cores used for deck 

Project - Bernard Olesinski, Fairline Design Team

www.fairline.com

Project: Nordhavn 52 Coastal Pilot

Noting the continued demand for the unique 35 Coastal Pilot, Nordhavn has been quietly working on a new bigger 52 feet of the same series. Designed as an elegant, highly capable coastal cruiser, the new 52 Coastal Pilot will offer semi-displacement cruising speed and efficiency along with the safety and capability sought after by the serious cruiser. With a cruising speed between eight and 15 knots and a range in excess of one thousand nautical miles, aside from major ocean crossings, this rugged new Nordhavn can fulfill the most ambitious of cruising dreams. P.A.E. is extremely excited about the new design and in February received its first build commitment. Based upon the company’s vast experience, this new live aboard design will be operated primarily by a cruising couple featuring an exceptionally large and livable owners cabin with abundant drawers and hanging lockers along with plenty of floor space, a vanity, opening ports and hatches and a spacious head and shower compartment. A wonderful guest stateroom will also be provided, well separated from the owner’s suite with natural lighting and ventilation, hanging locker and drawer space along with added general purpose locker space for spare parts and gear. A separate head with stall shower will service the guest accommodations but also double as a convenient day head.  The classic sedan configuration was selected with a beautiful salon/cockpit interface and the belief that a separated wheelhouse is not necessary on a coastal cruiser where overnight operations are not the norm. This style layout benefits from unrestricted 360 degree visibility, a flowing and spacious salon/galley and easy and comfortable access to staterooms and heads. A utility room forward of the saloon will include a separate washer and dryer along with an added freezer and locker space. Access to the full height engine room will be provided through the lazarette, the guest stateroom room or a hatch in the main saloon. Twin Cummins 480hp engines are provided which will allow a sensible cruising speed of 15 knots and below. For greater speed desires Nordhavn will also offer higher output engines available for the 52 Coastal Cruiser.

www.nordhavn.com

New Model: Vicem 61 Bahama Bay

Just launched at the Turkish Tuyap boat show the new Vicem 61 Bahama Bay merges classic down East lobster boat styling with the latest cutting edge technologies of Volvo IPS. The 61 Bahama Bay boasts some new twists to the traditional style yacht, and this represents the second time for Vicem, with the first being the 54 Bahama Bay also with IPS Drive system.  Constructed as most of the Vicem's with cold molding technology, a wood fiberglass hybrid which brings strength with low weight plus a custom build approach.  Interiors for hull one of the 61 Bahama Bay are finished with African woods of Khaya, Ducia, and Wenge mahogany.  The layout of the 61 gains space to the use of the Volvo pods, with a spacious lower deck having three double cabins; owners, VIP, and twin bunk, and the galley.  The midships owners stateroom surprises for its space in a lobster looking traditional yachts of this size, having a walk around double bed, and en suite bathroom.  For outside looks the 61 takes also a further step from the first model of this range thanks to the help of architect Hakki Karoglu, an owner of the first 54 Bahama Bay launched who gave some important input.  The stand out feature is for sure the all white exterior paint; but other benefit from the 54 is also the extended hard top which now covers all the cockpit.  Power is from twin Volvo 700hp with IPS pods, which deliver a 29 knots max speed, 24 cruise and a 500 nautical miles range 10 knots economic run.

Technical Data:

LOA - 18.5 m (60.8ft)

Hull Length - 17.25 m

Waterline Length - 16.38 m

Beam - 5.06 m

Draft - 1.30 m

Displacement - 29 t

Fuel Capacity - 2400 l

Water Capacity - 995 l

Accommodation - 6 guests in 3 cabins

Max Persons - 12

Engines - 2 x Volvo D9 700hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS900 pods

Speed - 29 knots max, 24 knots cruising, 10 knots economic

Range - 260 nm at 24 knots, 500 nm at 10 knots

Hull Type - hard chine Vee planning ship with 12 degrees dead rise aft

Construction - cold molded mahogany with epoxy by West System

Project - Vicem Yacht Design Team, special mention Hakki Koroglu

Certification - CE RINA B

www.vicemyachts.com

New Model: Majesty 135

Gulf Craft recently launched its first hull of the highly anticipated Majesty 135 design. With three decks and more than 41 meters in overall length, it is Gulf Craft’s largest super yacht ever built, further solidifying the company’s position as a major player in the global over eighty feet market.  Built to order, the Majesty 135  is semi-customized with a focus on comfort-enhancing features like an on-board elevator and zero-speed stabilizers, as well as a spacious and richly decorated interior, featuring a bamboo veneer theme, gold-plated fittings and a splendor of marble and granite finishes throughout the vessel.  Interior design is provided by CDB Yacht Design, while structural design and naval architecture came from Gulf Craft’s engineering team, YD Design of Italy and BMT Engineering of the UK.  Standard layout offers five double guest cabins, with an owners stateroom on the main deck.  Crew space is four cabins sleeping seven, plus a captains cabin.  Power is from twin MTU 3400hp engines. Initial sea-trials have already been conducted successfully with hand-over of the yacht to the customer scheduled for April.

Technical Data:

LOA - 41.05 m (135ft)

Waterline Length - 33.6 m

Beam - 8.14 m

Draft - 3.54 m

Displacement - 230 t approx

Fuel Capacity - 37800 l

Water Capacity - 7570 l

Accommodation - 10 guests in 5 cabins, 8 crew in 5 cabins

Engines - 2 x MTU 12V M93 3400hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Project - CDB Yacht Design interior, YD Design Italy and BMT Engineering for hull and lines

www.majesty-yachts.com

Project: Mulder 1300 Favorite Coupe

Mulder continues its rise to success and more recent sales and presents the project of the 1300 Favorite Convertible.  A project which comes from demands of a customer, and will be delivered in the coming Summer 2012. The 1300 Favorite Coupe is a full open version of the enclosed traditional cruiser.  This more sports version of the 1300 Favorite will measure over thirteen meters, with a beam of plus four. The yacht will be equipped with twin Volvo engines providing 150hp each, giving a top speed of 15 knots. A large electrically operated convertible top with ensure a very sporty appearance, as well as creating a large open al fresco space. The interior will comprise two cabins, a spacious galley, a toilet and a separate shower.

www.muldershipyard.nl 

Technical Data

It is always surprising for me how detailed technical data is hard to come by on some of the official builders website, and catalogues.  With some brands a buyer looking for some detailed information has to ask a salesman, and be lucky if this can answer to his question directly without a wait.  May be some builders still think that the emotion perceived by the looks of the boat can actually make buyers ignore technical details.  I am sure for some it is like this, but for the many how is that.  I am sure many who when coming to the final choice between two crafts, open the specifications and compare much as possible.

Some builders even don't state any engine makes and will tell maximum horsepower giving a certain speed.  Another lacking detail is always the Vee dead rise of some boats.  You go to a show, the boat in question has a covered hull, and the salesman will tell you it is a deep Vee.  You take the cover off and then you find a fifteen degrees dead rise aft. Deep Vee is twenty degrees deadrise aft and more to fore.  Under this technically speaking it is called a medium Vee.

Should there not be an implemented standard for specification globally.

A builder which makes good technical specification is the Ferretti Group, still needing some minor improvements but of the major European brands it gives good over all information.  Some of the Americans take the praise for also delivering in some case the full first test report on performance, and also giving the hull dead rise aft.