March 31, 2013

Monthly News - March 2013

-pic of the month- Viking 49th Anniversary
 

Azimut Repeats Succesful Confraria Nautica Event
With the aim of presenting news from the luxury Azimut Yachts and to bring closer the customers to the brand, representatives of the Azimut-Benetti Group and its shipyard in Brazil held on Thursday, 28/2, the second edition of the event “Confraria Náutica” at Yacht Club Veleiros da Ilha – in the capital of Santa Catarina state - bringing together about 90 selected guests from the region. "The Confraria Náutica, by Azimut Yachts is focused on approach with our clients and the public who loves the sea. We want to present in more detail the Group's strength in the world and know the needs of our customers to be able to offer to Brazilians increasingly full support, "said the CEO of Azimut Brazil Davide Breviglieri. Representing the Group were, in addition to the CEO in Brazil, the sales manager for South America David Bisogni; the sales manager Francesco Caputo and the Group Sales Director Marco Valle - for the brands Azimut Yachts and Atlantis. As the official dealer of the brands to the south of the country and the state of São Paulo, First Yacht, was represented by the President Natanael Santos de Souza, the CEO Nelson Waisbich, the Commercial Manager for the South Marcelo Menezes and his team of marketing and sales. On the island of Florianópolis, in an elegant lounge mounted on the deck by the sea and overlooking the famous Hercílio Luz Bridge, five vessels were exposed and open for visitation: Azimut 43, Azimut 60, two Azimut 62S, and the big star of the evening: the Azimut 70, an innovative model that began to be manufactured in the Brazilian shipyard this year. The night followed by a pleasant cocktail, chat and video presentation of the new collection. The first event “Confraria Náutica by Azimut Yachts” was promoted in February in Rio de Janeiro to customers in the region. The next one has already date and place: will happen in the next Wednesday, March 6, in Salvador, Bahia, with the presence of the Official Dealer for Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and the Northeast, the Yacht Collection.

Azimut New Dealer Network in Brazil
Through the Azimut Brazil, the consecrated brands Azimut Yachts and Atlantis now have a specialized Dealer Network to provide excellence to the Brazilian demand. In order to provide a full support to its customers in the national territory, the Azimut shipyard in Brazil - a subsidiary of the renowned Italian Azimut-Benetti Group - provides Azimut Dealer Network in several Brazilian states aligned with specialized services and support direct from the factory. With this new strategy, the Azimut Brazil becomes the first nautical company in the country of international origin with the wider and more varied range of services, including specialized technical assistance, replenishment of parts and maintenance, after sales and consultancy on all stages of buying: from financial and administrative activities to the selection and training of the crew. Currently, the Azimut Dealer Network is formed through a partnership with respected companies that have extensive infrastructure, highly trained professionals and "knowhow" in the nautical and high luxury sectors, plus necessary support from the factory in the country and from the headquarter staff in Italy. To meet customers’ demands in Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and the Northeast, is the Yacht Collection. To the representation for the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and São Paulo, is the First Yachts, of First Group SA.


Beneteau First Half Year Sales Show Growth
Full-year business forecasts confirmed. Consolidated sales climbed 2% to €294.7 million for the first half of 2012-13, driven by export sales across both business lines. The Group is actively moving forward with its strategy for international growth to respond to market developments, compensating for the weak general environment affecting the French market. In the Boat sector, sales came to €202.9 million for the first half of 2012-13, up 7%. The Group is benefiting from the expansion of its product offering (range of motorboats, larger boats) and its international deployment in growing regions. In this way, business outside of Europe increased by around 30% during the first half of 2012-13. This performance is expected to be confirmed at April's boat shows in China (Hainan) and Brazil (Rio de Janeiro). In Europe, as expected, the boat market looks set to contract by around 10 to 15% globally, with differences from one country to another. ls in France, which is expected to have a more marked impact on business during the second half of the year.


Benetti New Middle East Area Manager
Benetti, part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, is once again a protagonist of the Dubai Boat Show. For the occasion the Viareggio based shipyard, which celebrates its 140th Anniversary this year, completes another important step in their international expansion towards markets with higher potentiality, and consolidates their presence in the United Arab Emirates area opening a new office in Dubai and appointing Nabil el Jammal as Area Manager for the Middle East. The opening of a new direct sales point is of particular strategic importance as it covers the Middle East area even more efficiently, consolidating the historic presence of the Azimut|Benetti Group: since the 1980's one of the first movers in the area. To best pursue this important objective, Benetti has brought Nabil el Jammal on board. An established professional in the nautical world, with great experience in the Middle East markets, Jammal will manage the commercial office, with direct responsibility for the Arab Gulf Region markets as far as Turkey, including both Egypt and Lebanon.


Gulf Craft MTU Partnership Announcement
Infusing a dose of German engineering precision into its vessels, Gulf Craft announced a “Preferred Partner” agreement with renowned German engine maker MTU, with the UAE-based yacht builder recommending its clients the MTU power packs as its preferred propulsion systems in its superyachts. The agreement was signed by Gulf Craft and Al Masaood, Tognum Group distributor for MTU engines in the UAE and Bahrain, at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show. The contract covers engines ranging from 8, 10, 12 and 16-cylinder units of Series 2000 to 12 cylinder engines of Series 4000. Announcing the partnership, Mohammed Hussain Alshaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft, said the move brings together two of the leading lights of the global luxury yacht sector, the main beneficiaries of which would be customers of Gulf Craft’s Majesty Yachts range, offering them a premium product as a first choice. Known for its long history of engineering excellence, MTU, based in the German city of Friedrichshafen on the shores of Lake Constance, is one of the largest suppliers of boat engines in the world. In the superyacht category it is the world’s indisputable No.1.MTU Friedrichshafen and Al Masaood have a very long and successful business relationship since Al Masaood became the distributor of MTU Friedrichshafen in 1982 for the UAE. The relationship has been strengthened by extending the area of responsibility of Al Masaood to the Kingdom of Bahrain since 2011. The agreement also builds on a long-existing relationship between Gulf Craft and MTU: three of Gulf Craft’s latest vessels; the flagship Majesty 135 and Majesty 125 superyachts and the new Gulf 75 Exp are already powered by MTU engines and form the centerpieces of Gulf Craft’s display at the Dubai International Boat Show. In fact, MTU also supplied the largest engine ever used in a vessel manufactured by Gulf Craft the first hull of its largest superyacht, Majesty 135, built last year. Gulf Craft’s and Al Masaood’s “Preferred Partner” agreement assumes even greater importance with bigger builds in the offing from the UAE-based superyacht builder.

Gulf Craft Esclusive Preview
Gulf Craft returns to Doha with its second exclusive display of Superyachts and yachts for the Qatari market in as many years. The ‘Majesty Yachts Exclusive Preview’ event will dock at The Pearl Qatar from March 28th to 30th and will witness the Qatari premiere of a new Majesty 125 – Gulf Craft’s third-largest superyacht model, and a brand new Majesty 105 – a revolutionary superyacht model that received high praise for its excellent outdoor entertainment capabilities at the recently concluded Dubai International Boat Show 2013, and at last year’s Dubai edition where the model was launched.
The yacht line-up will also feature other popular Gulf Craft models including the Majesty 56, Majesty 63 and the Majesty 70.


Kadey-Krogen Recruits New Yacht Industry Icon
Kadey-Krogen Yachts announces the appointment of industry legend Bob Peterson as sales executive, along with wife Jeni Peterson, based out of the company's corporate office in Stuart, Florida. Bob Peterson began cruising in the Pacific Northwest from his home state of Oregon to Canada and the Inside Passage. After moving to California, Bob and Jeni took their two young children on a year's trip to Mexico on a motoryacht. In 1974 the couple built a 94' brigantine and with ten teenagers aboard sailed from San Diego to Acapulco, Mexico, across the Pacific to the Marquesas and Society islands and back to San Diego, where they continued their yacht brokerage business. In 1978 the Peterson family and crew passaged aboard their U.S. Army-built 148' cargo vessel around the coasts of Mexico and Central America to the Caribbean through the Panama Canal. By 1996 Bob and Jeni headed up the Micronesian Maritime and Fisheries Academy. They taught 40 students two full semesters a year. Curricula included diesel engine maintenance and repair, boat handling, navigation, welding, electrical, fishing and more.


Monte Fino Announces New Dealer Network
Following a highly successful Boot Düsseldorf 2013 which included the world debut of the ecHo 85 long-range Eco-Motoryacht, Monte Fino Europe has now announced its new line-up of distributors covering the entire length of the Mediterranean. Palma de Mallorca remains the hub for the European sales and service organisation, but to that have now been added dealerships in mainland Spain, southern France, Italy and Turkey. The new distributors are: East Marine SL on Spain’s Costa Brava, MS Yachts on France’s Cote d’Azur, Top Yachts srl in Italy and Aquavizyon in Turkey. The Monte Fino 76 Flybridge and the ecHo 85 Motoryacht that were on show at Düsseldorf are now on the move to Palma and from Easter will be available for customers to experience for themselves by appointment. 2013 was the first year that Monte Fino Europe has attended Boot Düsseldorf, and with two of the largest yachts there, the brand attracted a good deal of attention. Monte Fino built its first yacht nearly 30 years ago and since then has continuously updated its designs to meet the needs of its international client base. 2013 sees it developing additional new models for both its flybridge and ecHo ranges, and it has recently introduced 32m and 35m luxury, tri-deck motoryachts by Mulder Yacht Design.


Moonen Social Presence Grows
Moonen’s online presence is rapidly growing as we share information and ideas with owners, press and Moonen fans around the world. Moonen newly upgraded website has received a great deal of praise, for which we are very grateful. Moonen Facebook page is a vital extension of the website. A place where we also communicate the very latest happenings at the yard and the global fleet in a way that encourages interaction. Facebook is also a great place to post more photos and show on our website as well as take an occasional more light-hearted look at the world of superyachts. Better still, you get the chance to have your say on what you read and see! Many people have made good contacts by interacting on Moonen's Facebook page and we would love to see you there too. Of course, if Facebook isn't your thing we’d still love you to follow us online on the Moonen Twitter and dedicated YouTube channel. The latter has some great videos that will for sure make a virtual visit well worth your while


Outer Reef on iTunes
Outer Reef presents its new app for iPad. With the new app one can keep in touch with what's new at Outer Reef Yachts. In the Outer Reef app you can also see the new models, photo's, video's, virtual tours and much more. Download the new app from the iTunes store.


Overmarine Protagonist at Miami
The Overmarine Group was protagonist at the latest Miami Boat Show held in mid February giving further value to the “Made in Italy” excellence with events and partnership in perfect Italian style. The collaboration continued between the Italian shipyard and Luxury Living, exclusive retailer for Fendi Casa. For the entire duration of the boat show, the FENDI Casa lounge, fitted with outdoor furniture and sofas, offered guests exclusively luxurious moments, in a relaxed atmosphere, just like being on-board a Mangusta yacht. Quality wines, excellent oil from Tuscany and a refined welcome were the ingredients of The Italian Experience. Tasting sessions of highly prestigious Italian products, featuring each day three different wine cellars presented by Just Quality Importer, involved in the import and distribution of personally selected Italian wines, and Aska Eleivana oil, an extra-virgin olive oil with unique characteristics produced entirely in Tuscany. As a special backdrop to the Mangusta 72 there was a Ducati 1199 Panigale S, presented by the official retailer for Ducati in South Florida: decked out in the Italian Flag Tricolour livery to celebrate the "Made in Italy " technological excellence of the Borgo Panigale (Italy) based company, it marks the start of a new Ducati Superbike era.  Valuable partnerships that also in future appointments will be able to offer to all Mangusta guests an experience to enjoy, in an all-Italian atmosphere, with dream yachts, glamour, high quality and a refined welcome ready for our guests.


Princess Are In The Pink
Princess decided to mark the start of the Midnight Walk's promotional activity by displaying a Princess V39 in Plymouth city centre finished in the charity's event colours bright pink! The special edition model will be used as the centre piece for St Luke's awareness drive for the walk when she is displayed in City Centre Plaza Plymouth on Saturday 23rd March. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, St Luke's Hospice provides specialist palliative medical and nursing care to thousands of terminally ill patients from across Plymouth, South West Devon and East Cornwall and has been hosting the Midnight Walk for six years. In 2012 the popular walk saw over 2,000 women take part, raising a phenomenal £190,000. These funds raised provided 406 days of care for the in-patient unit at St Luke's Hospice making a huge difference to the patients and their families. This year St Luke's hopes that over 4,000 women will take part in the walk, which takes place on 27th July, for what will be one of Plymouth's biggest events. The V39 won't remain pink however, it was created using the latest vinyl wrap technology thanks to the kind and generous support of 'Yacht Wrap' who specialize in transforming boats into, often quite literally, works of art. Princess would also like to thanks Denholm Industrial Services for their kind support in the process too. Enthusiasm for the Midnight Walk has already gone right through the company and a team of dedicated Princess ladies who will be taking part on the day are busy building up their sponsors. Amie Bull, Events Fundraiser for St Luke's Hospice, is delighted with the energy that is already being generated.


Ribbon Winner Holland Nautique Awards
Yachts that are designed and or built in the Netherlands are eligible for the Nautique Awards. Design, implementation, innovation, performance, ergonomics and practical use of the yacht are decisive for the granting of the awards. The Ribbon 45 SC yacht tender wins the award in category ‘Motor yachts up to 15 meters’. The jury describes the Ribbon 45 SC as a yacht leading the way in a new direction of the Dutch yachting industries, boldness and innovation. The design is cosmopolitan and dynamic. Thanks to her sailing performance and high speed, this yacht will especially attract en international audience. The sailing practice is not forgotten, a thick fender prevents scratches and dings on this bold design.


Riviera Brings Inner Child Help
Riviera owners have brought out their ‘inner child’ to help Western Australia’s sick kids at the 3rd R Marine Perth Variety Splash, which was held from February 28 to March 5. Donning colourful character costumes such as, the Smurfs, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Top Gun, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland and the Addams Family, 80 owners and their guests on board 21 Rivieras got into the spirit of the Splash as they left Fremantle Harbour on Thursday, February 28 for five days of fun filled activities during their voyage to the picturesque Geographe Bay. In its third year, the Variety Splash has grown significantly to become one of R Marine Perth’s biggest calendar events raising more than $225,000 to date for the children’s charity. R Marine Perth dealer principal Brendon Grieve said the Variety Splash gave owners the chance to give back and help sick, special needs, and disadvantaged children live, laugh and learn. Variety WA CEO Michael Pailthorpe said the ‘Splash’ had proven to be a wonderful fundraiser for Variety and WA’s sick, disadvantaged and special needs children. In the lead up to this year’s event, a host of fundraising and social activities were held, beginning with the Variety WA national conference on February 8. Australian actor Michael Caton joined Riviera owners and Variety WA for a day out on the SwanRiver. A fleet of five Rivieras ranging in size from 36 feet to 58 feet left Aquarama Marina at 10am and cruised up the Swan River and into Perth City before returning to Lucky Bay for lunch. On February 9, Riviera owners Jane and Grant Julian hosted the Cabaret Burlesque Dinner Show at Rigbys Bar, raising $5,000 for Variety WA. And on February 15, Variety WA hosted The Great Gatsby Variety Ball. Riviera owner Jane Julian said they thought the Burlesque Fundraiser would be a good excuse to get some friends together for a fun night while helping Variety WA.

Riviera Kooringal Experience
As nine month old baby Kristy Bielenberg sat perched in her high chair in the cockpit of her parent’s 47 Flybridge, it was clear that this was going to be an experience to remember for the whole family. Her parents, Scott and Raelee, took delivery of their 47 in July of last year, and whilst this was their second Riviera, this was their first R Marine Jones Experience. It was also the first time they had taken their new boat to Kooringal. Joining 22 other Rivieras ranging in size from 40 feet to 56 feet, Scott, Raelee and their four daughters, Bianca (12), Emily (10), Jaimee (3), and Kristy (9 months), met Randall and the R Marine Jones team at the southern end of Moreton Island before venturing up the channel to Kooringal. Listed on the Australian Heritage Register, Moreton Island is located 35 kilometres off the coast of Brisbane and is renowned for its crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, and marine life such as green turtles, humpback whales and dugongs. The annual experience is usually held on the Australia Day long weekend at the end of January but the day before scheduled departure, R Marine Jones dealer principal, Randall Jones, decided to postpone the Experience. South East Queensland was battered with torrential rain, flash flooding, 60 knot winds and tornadoes as ex-tropical cyclone Oswald tore through the state during the Australia Day long weekend. R Marine Jones rescheduled the Kooringal Experience to be held on February 15, 16 and 17, and although the wet weather was still hanging around, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the 53 adults and seven children who joined R Marine Jones for the 4th annual Kooringal Experience. For Scott and Raelee, it was an amazing experience, and one that the whole family enjoyed. On the Sunday morning, R Marine Jones led the group out of the narrow inlet and back into the main channel where they each went their separate ways homeward bound and with fond memories of another enjoyable R Marine Jones Experience.


Selene Succesful Partnership in Dusseldorf
Boot Düsseldorf is the largest indoor yacht exhibition in Europe. As a major brand, Selene Yachts was, of course, present at this year’s show. Selene had an eye-catching stand in the Superyacht Hall, where all European dealers were represented. The yard was in contact with many interested parties during the show, which has already resulted in the sale of a beautiful Selene 60 from 2009. In addition, various negotiations are ongoing for possible orders for new builds. Despite the difficult economic times, the Selene Yachts Europe sales team returned home from Düsseldorf in an upbeat frame of mind

Selene Remarkable Story
The enthusiastic owner of the Selene 59 Buena Vista has set up a wonderful website focusing on his beautiful boat (now known as a Selene 60). The site includes the story of why he originally opted for Selene Yachts quality in general, and the reasons why he chose a 59 in particular. The site also provides information on the construction and specifications of the yacht, illustrated with many great pictures. In addition, the owner shares a fascinating travelogue of all the areas in which he has travelled, covering almost the entire Mediterranean area as well as parts of the Pacific Ocean and Australia! Fun stories and stunning images bring you close to the Selene 59 Buena Vista experience.


Viking 49th Anniversary
April 1 marks the 49th anniversary of the Viking Yacht Company. It was on this day in 1964 when Bill and Bob Healey took over Peterson-Viking, a struggling boat builder from Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, moved it to New Gretna on the Bass River and began the transformation that made history in the marine industry. Today, Viking is the world's largest and most successful manufacturer of luxurious, high-performance convertible sportfishing yachts. Congratulations to the Healey family for their vision and their support to Viking shipwrights past and present who embraced the Healey's philosophy, guidance and commitment to build a better boat every day.

Viking Blue Times Claims Championship
For more than four months, the best sailfish anglers around the globe have battled for the privilege to don the iconic Quest for the Crest burgundy jackets. At the conclusion of the three leg series, the crew on the Viking 68 Blue Time captured the honor of the jackets. The race was tight but Captain Bill Wieteha achieved the victory by placing 12th at Operation Sailfish in December, 5th at the Sailfish Challenge in February and 2nd at the Jimmy Johnson National Billfish Championship. Although they didn't earn the jacket, Captain John Dudas and his team on the Viking 52 Open 4 Aces did earn championship rings at the final leg of the series, the Jimmy Johnson National Billfish Championship. The rings are awarded to the top team in the Jimmy Johnson event which is the final leg of the Quest for the Crest series. 4 Aces released 7 fish on Day 1 and 9 on Day 2 to claim the victory. 4 Aces angler Peter Adrian earned the Master Angler title with 11 releases. Thanks to 4 Aces, Blue Time and the Viking 61 De-Bait-Able Viking Yachts took a back-to-back win as the victor in the Boat Builder's Throw Down as the top manufacturer in the tournament as well as the Perpetual Trophy at the Sailfish Challenge. The bronze trophy will be on display at the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida until the start of the 2014 series.

Viking Captain of the Year
InTheBite magazine is proud to announce its 2012 Captain of the Year is Rob Moore. Captain Rob, at the helm the of the Viking 70 Enclosed Bridge Fa La Me owned by Frank and Mary Ellen Rodriguez proved that he is at the top of his game. Rob had an incredible season in 2012 leading Fa La Me to an unprecedented string of victories. They were crowned the Bahamas Billfish Champions and went on to win the Bermuda Triple Crown series among others. But this team is not resting on their laurels, they also landed on the leader board at the Hawk's Nest Billfish Blast, Nantucket Blue Fin Blast and most recently won the Buccaneer Cup with 15 sailfish releases proving that when you're hot, you're hot. Congratulations are also in order to fellow Captain of the Year nominees Captain Jason Buck and Captain Keith Greenberg. Jason, captaining Jon Gonsoulin's Viking 56 Done Deal, had an incredible season in the Gulf of Mexico stocking the trophy case with hardware at the Mobile Big Game Memorial Day Tournament as well as Winning the Gulf of Mexico Triple Crown Series, to name just a few. For the second year in a row, Keith has been nominated for his role as David Anderson's captain on the Viking 70 Convertible Krazy Salts. Keith and his crew racked up an impressive string of tournament victories stretching from the Bahamas to Cape May, New Jersey. Founded 10 years ago as a way to recognize the top captain of the season, this award has become the industry's most prestigious honor for the professional sportfishing captain.

March 30, 2013

Class 1 - Sanya China Grand Prix

RACE 1
Victory’s Arif Al Zaffain and Mohammed Al Marri made the perfect start to their title defence with a convincing win in race 1 of the Sanya Grand Prix.
The defending Champions had to come from behind after being outgunned at the start by Zabo-Isiklar’s Ugur Isik and Christian Zaborowski, who led the Victory duo into the first turn to lead by three seconds at the end of the opening lap.
Behind the race leaders the LFFendi10 crew of Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella made the jump on Victory Australia’s Darren Nicholson and Class 1 newcomer Ross Willaton to move up a place from fourth on the start line.
The race outcome hinged on two opposite race strategies, Zabo-Isiklar opting to take their mandatory short-lap early, on lap 2, and a brilliant midrace stint of the 11-lap, 51.51Nm race by the defending World, Middle East and Edox Pole Position Champions, and their decision to go late with their short-lap on 7.
LFFendi10 followed the move by Zabo-Isiklar to get ahead of Victory who suddenly found themselves 27 seconds adrift of the leaders.
Victory immediately began to push and regained second spot on lap 4, with the deficit cut to 12 seconds two laps later. On lap 7 Victory took their short lap to come out well ahead of Zabo-Isiklar and turn the deficit into a 23 seconds advantage.
For the remainder of the race Al Zaffain and Al Marri controlled their pace and the race to run out the comfortable winners by over 40 seconds.
Despite conceding the lead after being out front for over half race distance, Zabo-Isiklar’s Christian Zaborowski was more than pleased with a second podium in as many days.
The fight for the final step on the podium was a bruising encounter between LFFendi10 and Victory Australia for 6 of the 11 laps; the Australians attacked again and again and got to within two seconds of the Italians who defended their podium spot heroically to hang on and take third place.
The Sanya shuffle saw throttleman Giampaolo Montavoci switch back into Poliform to race with Class 1 debutant Salim Al Adidi, and Tomaso Polli step out to take the sticks beside Faleh Al Mansoori in Team Abu Dhabi – the two Italians enjoying mixed fortunes.
Montavoci and Al Adidi’s race ended early, with Poliform towed off the course on lap 2 with technical problems, Polli and Al Faleh going the distance and producing a very credible performance to finish in fifth place ahead of another solid outing by Gian Maria Gabbiani and Luca Nicolini in FA.Ro ACCIAI.
There was disappointment for Alfrdeo Amato and Miles Jennings in LFFendi8, retiring on lap 2 and more frustration for Marit Stromoy and Pal Virik Nilsen in Visun Sanya who hit problems before the start and returned to the pits.
SANYA GRAND PRIX - RACE 1 - results1. 3 Victory - A Al Zaffain (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) - 33.15,70
2. 91 Zabo Isiklar - U Isik (TUR) / C Zaborowski (NOR) + 00.43,87s
3. 10 LFFendi10 - L Formilli Fendi (ITA) / G Carpitella (ITA) + 01.15.00s
4. 7 Victory Australia - D Nicholson (AUS) / R Willaton (AUS) + 01.18,00s
5. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - F Al Mansoori (UAE) / Tomaso Polli (ITA) + 02.39.00
6. 23 FA.RO. ACCIAI - G M Gabbiani (ITA) / L Nicolini (ITA) - 1 lap
7. 8 LFFendi8 - Miles Jennings (GBR) / A Amato (ITA) - dnf
8. 74 Poliform - S Al Adidi (UAE) / G Montavoci (SUI) - dnf
9. 86 Visun Sanya - M Stromoy (NOR) / PV Nilsen (NOR) - dns
RACE 2
Arif Al Zaffain and Mohammed Al Marri wrapped up the perfect opening to their season, winning race 2 of the Sanya Grand Prix to add to their wins in qualifying and race 1 to complete their Sanya hat-trick.
But Ugur Isik and Christian Zaborowski’s hopes of carrying the fight to Victory 3 and adding to their double podium seconds, ended in spectacular fashion when they barrel-rolled Zabo-Isiklar at the first turn.
Both pilots were unhurt but the severity of the damage to the boat became clearer once it had been towed back to the pits.
Zabo-Isiklar’s dramatic exit brought out the red flag and forced a restart, with the race shortened to 14 laps.
The Victory duo again took control from the start and was unchallenged at the front throughout, systematically extending their lead lap-by-lap to eventually run out comfortable winners by 45-seconds to lead the Championship by 16-points.
Victory Australia’s Daren Nicholson and Ross Willaton, and LFFendi10’s Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella picked-up where they left off yesterday, resuming their on water fight.
But this time the Australian duo were able to turn the tables on their Italian rivals, passing them on lap 3 to go on and take their second podium of the weekend.
Italy’s Tomaso Polli rounded off a busy and successful event that started on the wheel of Poliform and ended with two outings on the throttles of Team Abu Dhabi alongside Class 1 rookie, Faleh Al Mansoori.
The scratch pairing produced a more than impressive second outing, going one better than in race 1 to take a very respectable fourth place.
Gian Maria Gabbiani and Luca Nicolini enjoyed a solitary race maintaining fifth place throughout and once again proved their reliability, completing their sixth straight points finish in Fa.Ro. ACCIAI.
Giampaolo Montavoci’s afternoon hit trouble on lap 1, an electrical problem forcing Poliform to a crawl. But the Italian and his rookie driver, Salim Al Adidi stuck with it, Poliform kicked back into life, and they were able to go on and complete the race to finish in the points in fifth.
Newcomers Miles Jennings and Alfredo Amato went further than in race 1, but were unimpressed with the first corner hose down by Poliform which all but drowned their engine. The duo stayed out hoping to clear the problem and limped round for eight laps, falling one lap short of the 70% ruling that would have at least given them some well-deserved points.
Marit Stromoy and Pal Virik Nilsen’s already frustrating time in Sanya was compounded when they failed to make the start.
SANYA GRAND PRIX - RACE 2 - results
1. 3 Victory - A Al Zaffain (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) - 42.36,27
2. 7 Victory Australia - D Nicholson (AUS) / R Willaton (AUS) + 45,84s
2. 10 LFFendi10 - L Formilli Fendi (ITA) / G Carpitella (ITA) + 01.22.00s
4. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - F Al Mansoori (UAE) / Tomaso Polli (ITA) + 01.35.00s
5. 23 Ra.Ro. ACCIAI - G M Gabbiani (ITA) / L Nicolini (ITA) - 1 lap
6. 74 Poliform - S Al Adidi (UAE) / G Montavoci (SUI) - 2 laps
8 LFFendi8 - Miles Jennings (GBR) / A Amato (ITA) - 6 laps
86 Visun Sanya - M Stromoy (NOR) / PV Nilsen (NOR) - dns
91 Zabo Isiklar - U Isik (TUR) / C Zaborowski (NOR) - dns
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - after race 2
1. 3 Victory Team - 40pts
2= 10 LFFendi10 - 24pts
2= 7 Victory Australia - 24pts
4. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 16pts
5. 91 Zabo-Isiklar - 15pts
6. 23 FA.RO.ACCIAI - 12pts.
7. 74 Poliform - 5pts

Project: Sunseeker 80 Sport Yacht

Presented as a new line by Sunseeker at the start of year the Sport Yacht range features five models three of which still in project stages.  The 80 Sport Yacht will sit in the middle of this range and is based on the Southampton 2012 presented Predator of the same designation with the addition of a sport bridge deck on top.   A formula which seems to be working quite more in recent years.  The sport bridge of the 80 Sport Yacht will be accessed from a stair case to port side.  The layout of the bridge will feature a helm to port side, and a large C-shaped settee opposite with a wet bar in the middle.  So far Sunseeker have not listed any detailed interior plans for the 80 Sport Yacht, but in my book this should feature a similar layout to the Predator who has four double guest cabins, and a very smart single level main deck with dining and relaxing areas.  Power for the Sunseeker 80 Sport Yacht start from three MTU engine choice from 1550hp and goes up to 2640 units, these last available only with the Arneson surface drives propulsion option. 

March 28, 2013

Project: Magazzu MX-14 Classic

Magazzu the rib Sicily builder presents the MX-14 Classic.  With this new project Magazzu also present the Classic line; which in my understanding takes this title for its fore flush deck, and windshield which give that retro touch to this rib cruiser.  Inside the MX-14 Classic will feature an interior with a separate owners cabin to fore, L-shaped settee for four persons which convets to a double berth, galley, and a shower head.  Outside the MX-14 Classic welcomes guest with two sun pads, a bench settee, and a center console covered by a hardtop in a T form.  Power is from twin engines up to a total power of 960hp.  The twin step hull can reach top speeds up to 45 knots with max power units installed. 

March 27, 2013

Improve-it = Horizon E56

Horizon recently completed a new E56 motoryacht for an Australian client that features a customized layout ideally suited more for the down under continent market.  Important changes have been featured to this model to the galley, master stateroom and exterior areas. This new E56 layout has been added to the collection of flexible layouts offered for this recent addition to the Horizon line.  On this E56's main deck, a large built-in storage cabinet starboard side in the galley has replaced a dinette, as dining will take place mainly on the aft deck; however if a quick bite is all that's needed, a breakfast bar with two seats is incorporated in the galley. Below deck, the master stateroom includes both port and starboard cabinets, with an abundance of storage drawers in each cabinet, in addition to the walk-in closet space on the starboard side. All guest staterooms and interior areas offer carefully-designed lighting and incorporate as much natural light as possible, a characteristic of the E56 model.  On the flybridge, the Volvo joystick has been moved to the starboard side for an improved view when maneuvering, and the BBQ resides on the starboard aft deck, housed within a custom cabinet.  The Horizon E56 is a three double flybridge motor yacht with a full beam owners cabins.  Power is from twin Volvo 700hp engines with IPS pod drives.

March 26, 2013

Class 1 - 2013 Season Preview

Fifty-years after American Jim Wynne won the first UIM sanctioned World Drivers Championship in 1964 the sport celebrates its anniversary-season with an historic first Grand Prix in the Peoples Republic of China.
The bustling city port of Sanya on the southernmost point of Hainan Island, often referred to as the Chinese Riviera, will provide one of the most diverse and exciting backdrops of the year when it hosts the Sanya Grand Prix and the season-opener, 28-30 March.
Defending World, Middle East and Edox Pole Position Champions Arif Al Zaffain and Mohammed Al Marri will lead the nine-strong fleet out as the Victory Team celebrates its own impressive landmark of competing at the top level in international powerboat racing.
Twenty-one year’s after lifting their first World Championship in 1993, Victory Team’s title holders will be the pair to beat and will be looking to carry on where they left off in 2012 as they go in search of the team’s 13th World crown and adding to Victory’s remarkable tally of 93 wins from 168 starts.
Al Zaffain and Al Marri have proved a powerful force since teaming-up at the end of 2011, winning eight times in 11 outings and qualifying in pole position five-times. This season Al Zaffain is chasing a sixth World title and Al Marri a fourth.
Team Abu Dhabi head the list of challengers who face the daunting task of trying to unsettle and depose the Champions, and since entering the series in 2010 has become a growing force in the sport – albeit slightly overshadowed by their illustrious neighbours.
Rashed Al Tayer and Majed Al Mansoori is an exciting partnership that has grown in stature since pairing for the first time in 2011 and their season-haul of six podiums last year saw them push the Champions all the way to eventually take the Championship runners-up slot and the team’s best overall finish.
Chasing both the Middle East outfits will be Italy’s Fendi Racing with Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella, a revitalised combination since switching out of their Outerlimits hull- engine package and into a Victory hull powered by SCAM V12s.
LFFendi10 will roll-out in a new livery at the season-opener with the all-Italian pairing looking to build on their third overall in last year’s Championship standings.
After switching hulls the duo produced an impressive run in the second half of 2012 picking up four podium seconds, one each in Gabon and Dubai and a double podium in Abu Dhabi and are genuine title challengers in 2013.
The line-up in the second Fendi Racing boat, the Outerlimits hull, will see two newcomers joining the Championship ranks, with Italian Alfredo Amato teaming-up with Englishman, Miles Jennings.
Following weeks of intensive pre-season preparation in Dubai, Zabo Racing’s team principal, Jan Zaborowski, is confident that the team will pick up in China where they left off in Abu Dhabi at the end of last season - on the podium - as they look to break the V12 dominance.
The line-up inside Zabo-Isiklar remains the same with Turkey’s Ugur Isik and Norway’s Christian Zaborowski starting their third consecutive season as they look for their first win together. The duo will be hoping to build on last year’s fourth overall in the points table and will run the same Mercury 850 V8 engine package.
A switch in line-up in Victory Australia sees Australia’s Ross Willaton step in for Peter McGrath to take the throttles and partner countryman Darren Nicholson.
The Australian duo will run the same Victory hull powered by Victory V12 power-plants that Nicholson and McGrath acclimatised too quickly and made good use of in the final two races of 2012, with a podium apiece in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as well as a third quickest in qualifying in Abu Dhabi.
Team D’Alessio-SCAM has confirmed the same line up with Gian Maria Gabbiani on the wheel alongside Luca Nicolini in the SCAM V12-powered FA.RO. ACCIAI.
The all-Italian pairing joined forces last season at the Gabon Grand Prix, finishing in fifth place. Their Italian Grand Prix ended in dramatic fashion when they went over and out of the weekend at the first corner of race 1, but ran out the season with three top-six finishes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to end up eighth in the Championship points table.
Nicolini is a racing veteran with 25-years’ experience, getting his first Class 1 outing in 1993, dipping in and out of the series over the years and has 23 race starts under his belt. Gabbiani made his powerboat debut in 2010; he stepped-up to Class 1 last year to race alongside Guido Cappellini in Qatar, joining Team D’Alessio-SCAM in July.
Teaming-up to race together for the first time and to run under the colours of Sanya and event organiser Visun Group are two of Norway’s most accomplished powerboat stars Marit Strømøy and Pål Virik Nilsen.
Marit will swap the confines of her single-seater F1H2O circuit boat to take the wheel beside the experienced Pål Virik in the Maritimo-designed and built hull powered by Mercury V8 power-plants that she made her Class 1 debut in in Brazil in 2010.
Born in Sandefjord, Norway and now living in Oslo, 36-year-old Strømøy made her racing debut in 1989 at the age of twelve, picking up numerous European and Nordic titles as she moved up through the smaller classes to make her debut and become the first woman to compete in F1H2O Championship in 2007.
In 2011 she made racing history when she became the first woman in F1H2O to qualify in Pole Position.
At 38, Pål Virik is an accomplished Class 1 veteran with 32 starts under his belt. He made his Class 1 debut in 2005 and in 2007 he switched roles from driver to throttleman to form an exciting partnership with Tom Barry-Cotter - the duo going on to win a hat-trick of titles in the Australian Offshore Superboat Championship (2008/9/10).
He finished on the podium three times in Class 1 in 2009 and once in 2011. Last season he competed in Class 1 in Qatar and in the F2 World Championship, his win in Cagliari in Italy the highlight of a season cut short through injury.
A surprise move by DAC Racing’s team principal and driver Guido Cappellini not to race sees the call-up of Italian Tomaso Polli to replace him in Poliform.
The decision by Cappellini puts 37-year-old Polli back behind the wheel of a Class 1 for the first time since he raced alongside Luca Nicolini in Dubai in 2011, to partner Giampaolo Montavoci, one of the most experienced throttlemen on the tour with 101 Grand Prix starts under his belt and starting his sixteenth season in Class 1.
The location of the newly constructed dry and wet pits puts the Class 1 boats into the heart of the hustle and bustle of the port to share the water with the fleets of traditional fishing and trading boats, and luxury super yachts moored opposite the imposing Visun Royal Yacht Club, which will give the anticipated tens-of-thousands of spectators a grand-stand view when they motor out along the Sanya River and past the man-made Phoenix Island to the 5.66Nm race circuit on Sanya Bay.
The first official practice session is on Thursday (28) morning followed by qualifying in the Edox Pole Position at 14.30hrs (local). Two further practice sessions precede both races which start at 15.30hrs (local) on Friday, 29 and Saturday, 30.

Project: Tornado 60

Tornado Marine from central Italy in Rome, presents the project of a new 60 model flagship.  This new Tornado extends Tornado lenght by ten feet to its current largest model; the 50 Classic.  In this model and as the rendering shows Tornado follows its core concept of a classic pure open sport yacht, a theme which started in the US and was quickly followed short afterwards by builders in central Italy.  So timeless lines is the word on the Tornado 60 with a nice flash fore deck.  The cockpit deck also follow a traditional layout with a large sunpad lying to port, C-shaped dinette, and helm to starboard.  This is so far the details we can give on this new 60 by Tornado, hoping that the Rome builder sends some more information in the short near future. 

March 25, 2013

New Model: Cheoy Lee 76 Alpha Express Flybridge

Cheoy Lee seems getting a lot of good feedback on its new modern Alpha line of planning fast yacths, and after presenting the first of this series the 76 Express, follows this with a Flybridge version of same. This features an addition of the bridge with a second helm covered by a rigid open hard top style. As was the case for the hard top sport yacht Express version the 76 Alpha Flybridge is all about incorporating latest Mediterranean style trends; large view window in full beam owners cabin, fore settee, and a very opening living main deck.  The lower deck will feature three double cabins with a crew room located strategically at midships in between the engine and owners room.  Power is twin MTU 1200hp engines with propulsion coming from ZF pod drives. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 23.35 m (76.6ft)
Hull Length - 21.5 m
Waterline Length - 18.13 m
Beam - 6.04 m
Draft - 1.65 m
Displacement - 48600 kg
Fuel Capacity - 4088 l
Water Capacity - 1000 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew cabin berth
Engines - 2 x MTU 8B 2000 M93 1200hp
Speed - 40 knots max
Propulsion - ZF 500 pod drives
Construction - Monocoque construction. Resin Infused by SP High Modulus
Project - Micheal Peter Yacht Design, Luiz De Basto interior
Certification - ISO 12215 Category A

March 24, 2013

Project: Codecasa 50 C121

Codecasa Shipyards are proud to present the project of the new Codecasa 50 developed entirely by the in-house Style Department, headed by Domenico Gozzani.  The project of the new Codecasa 50 recalls, with the exception of a softening in the forward part of the main deck, the line of the hull of the Vintage Series.  The first unit of the new 50 which is hull C121, is already under construction for delivery scheduled in Spring 2015.  In the new Codecasa 50, however, the straight bow is combined to a more sinuous and feminine superstructure than the one on the Vintage Series and the bulwark lightens on the main deck and bridge deck levels, allowing also the inclusion of larger windows. The lightening impression with respect to the Codecasa 50 Vintage Series is also present on the Sun Deck, where the glass walled gymnasium replaces the “solid” base of the mast.  The Codecasa Shipyard Style Department was able to express its creativity and, using the same hull, to design two Yachts of the same length, but almost antithetical in the external lines: on the one hand, the rigorous profile of the 50 Vintage Series, almost austere in its masculinity, on the other hand the much more modern lines of the new 50. The only commonly shared trait between the two projects, besides the length, is the fusion of elegant simplicity and high functionality, of style and high technology, as the Yachts built by this Italian builder traditionally do.
www.codecasayachts.com

March 22, 2013

Project: Nimbus 405 Coupe

Modern look design with clever, functional solutions this is in short the new 405 Coupé, what will be the largest of the popular and award winning sidewalk Nimbus Coupé series so far sold in over three thousand boats in its various models. Quite common from Scandinavian builders the sidewalk deck layout maximises walking space to starboard and makes it very easy to get on and off the boat and spend time on deck, while providing generous roominess in the cockpit and cabin.  The 405 is the largest of the Nimbus Coupé series, which includes the 335 and the 365 models. The 405 is based on the same concept as the award winning 365 Coupé, voted European Power Boat of the year 2012. The boat has many features that are similar to her smaller sister with the addition of new solutions. These include the D-pillar in a new design with integrated ventilation, wholly glazed aft door, electrically powered table on the aft deck, granny hatch in the stern, new engine room ventilation design with active outtake, and a galley with ceramic LPG hybrid hob.  Like the other models, the 405 Coupé is of modern design with integrated glued windows, a large wraparound windshield, opening flush-fitted sliding door to starboard and a large opening sunroof. The flush fitted side door is an integral part of the craft’s design while providing maximum walking space and a large door opening. The side door also allows the helmsman to steer the boat while standing on deck.  The helm station has also been remodelled with its panel that can be equipped with two 12 inch plotters side by side.  The boat has a large aft deck; which is flush with the bathing platform and saloon. The saloon features generous sized flat surfaces and is light and airy, roomy and modern while textiles and cushions that add cosy intimacy. The interior of the boat is highly finished in terms of quality materials and provides a feeling of spaciousness. Bulkhead ares finished in light coloured textiles that both enhance the sensation of space and absorb sound. The boat has three cabins. The owners room to fore, with a separate entrance to the toilet and shower, and two guest cabins to midships with shared toilet. Power is twin Volvo 300 or optional larger 370hp choices.