June 15, 2013

Project: OceanClass 88

OceanClass showcases the project for a new 88 flagship model.  Part of the Seaway Group who follow on the wake of success Greenline has achieved, now this brand sets its sight on bigger sizes.  One of the most interesting detail of the OceanClass 88 is that it will feature five cabins with an owners suite to fore, located in a semi elevated position between the main and lower deck.  Below deck offers four double cabins, all having ensuite heads and with two VIP rooms located to starboard.  To make it short that is basically the layout you find in the one hundred feet size.  A double crew cabin is located to aft behind the engine room and in front of the storage toys room.  Power for the OceanClass is from twin 1150hp MTU engines giving a top speed of 25 knots and a cruise of 17.

June 14, 2013

New Model: Pearl 75

An important new flagship from Pearl which was presented last September at the Southampton boat show, this is the 75 extending this small volume British builder founded in 1998 size by fifteen feet.  Needless to say the 75 which was announced as project a couple of years ago is an important new model.  Pearl also take new challenges with the 75, the first is that it goes for full Mediterranean motor yacht looks instead of its usual British aft cabin design all its previous models offered, the second is that the 75 is powered by pod drives.  Considering it only needs 1150hp Cat engines to cruise 25 and peak 30 knots that is a huge bonus.  Most motor yachts this size will actually need about an extra 1000hp to reach those speeds, think about the fuel costs this gives.  Inside designer Kelly Hoppen also worked out a wonderful layout with some nice touches; like the main deck which presents itself with a free area on entrance, and a nice VIP suite in the fore cabin.  By the looks of it the Pearl 75 presents itself a real challenge to most production builders in this size, with some nice innovative touches showing it not only wants to be another 23 meter motor yachts but also offering something different.       
Technical Data:
LOA - 23 m (75.5ft)
Hull Length - 21.37 m
Beam - 5.98 m
Draft - 1.75 m
Displacement - 55 t
Fuel Capacity - 5800 l
Water Capacity - 1800 l
Accommodation - 8 guest berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew berths
Engines - 2 x Cat C18 1150hp
Propulsion - ZF 4000 aft looking dual propeller pods
Speed - 30 knots max, 25 cruise
Range - 350 nm at 25 knots cruise
Project - Bill Dixon hull, Kelly Hoppen interior

June 13, 2013

Class 1 - Istanbul Turkey Grand Prix Preview

Fifteen years after the Jolly Motor crew of Massimo Lippi and Lamberto Leoni won the first Class 1 Grand Prix to be held in Istanbul in 1998, the Championship returns for the UIM Class 1 Isiklar Turkish Grand Prix, the second event of the season, and this time to race across the Bosphorus in Pendik on 14-16 June on the Marmara Sea.
All eyes will be on the Turkish-Norwegian duo of Ugur Isik and Christian Zaborowski to see if the repairs carried out on their Victory built, Mercury powered Zabo-Isiklar will give them the same firepower and opportunity to continue where they left off in China, and carry the fight to Victory and go one better than their second places in qualifying at race 1 in Sanya past March.
With the ship carrying the boats from China only arriving in Istanbul at the end of May the team has faced a race against time to repair the extensive damage sustained in their dramatic first corner crash in Sanya's race 2, and be ready for driver Ugur Isik’s home Grand Prix.
However, team principal Jan Zaborowski is confident that with the comprehensive pre-repair work and preparation that they carried out in Norway, and with the time that they have spent on the boat in Turkey, they will be in good shape to build on what was the team’s best overall performance since Isik and Zaborowski teamed-up in 2011 in Abu Dhabi.
Lining-up as race favourites will be Arif Al Zaffain and Mohammed Al Marri who will be looking to extend their lead in the Championship standings and try to emulate the successes achieved by previous Victory pairings in Turkey; Ali Nasser and Randy Scism taking the chequered flag in Istanbul and in Bodrum in 1999 - Nasser winning again in Istanbul the following year with Khalfan Harib - Mohammed Al Marri winning with Saeed Al Tayer in Marmaris also in 2000.
The last event to be held in Turkey was in Izmir in 2002 and won by Spirit of Norway’s Bjorn Rune Gjelsten and Steve Curtis, and of the present day class of 2013 only Mohammed Al Marri, Giampaolo Montavoci and Ugur Isik have raced on Turkish waters.
The defending Champions are on a six-race winning streak, are unbeaten in their last four outings in qualifying and following their Sanya Grand Prix win-treble in the season-opener in March, sit 24-points clear of LFFendi10 and HUB Team Australia.
Al Zaffain and Al Marri top the Victory Team’s all-time winners table with 34 and 24 wins respectively, with five-time World Champion Al Zaffain now equal with Bjorn Rune Gjelsten and closing in on Steve Curtis’ longstanding record of 42 wins.
Two outfits who will be looking to challenge Victory and Zabo-Isiklar in Pendik-Istanbul are Italians Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella in LFFendi10 and Australians Darren Nicholson and Ross Willaton in HUB Team Australia.
They enjoyed a herculean scrap and podium success in Sanya, both outfits running Victory built boats - the Italians running SCAM V12 power-plants the Aussies Victory V12s.
In race 1 the Aussies attacked and the Italians defended for six of the 10 laps - the gap never more than five seconds - but the LFFendi10 crew hung on to finish in third and take revenge on the Australian crew who had knocked them off the podium in qualifying.
They continued their dice in race 2, but the Australian duo was able to turn the tables on their Italian rivals to go on and take their second podium of the weekend - the Fendi crew settling for another third.
Formilli Fendi and Carpitella will start their 13th Grand Prix together looking for their first win from 20 race starts, with Carpitella starting his 50th race.
The team has also confirmed a revised line-up in their second boat, LFFendi8, with Italian Marco Pennesi, who made his Class 1 debut in Arendal in 2007 and last raced in Brazil in 2010, joining countryman and series newcomer Alfredo Amato who made his Class 1 debut in Sanya alongside Miles Jennings.
Team Abu Dhabi’s recent driver reshuffle takes another twist in Istanbul with the team confirming a revised line up, recalling Class 1 regular Rashed Al Tayer to resume race duties alongside rookie, Faleh Al Mansoori.
Al Tayer missed the season-opener in China but returns to start his 14th Grand Prix and for the first time in 24 race starts in Class 1 will switch over to take the throttles as he looks to add to his tally of three wins, eight podiums and one pole position.
In Sanya newcomer Al Mansoori partnered Giampaolo Montavoci in qualifying to finish a very credible fifth and then went on to race with Tomaso Polli to take fifth and fourth spots and put the team into fourth place overall in the points table.
Team D’Alessio-SCAM has yet to confirm their line up and whether or not they will stay with Gian Maria Gabbiani and Luca Nicolini for a sixth Grand Prix start together.
The duo enjoyed a solid season-opener last time out picking up five points in qualifying and matched the position with sixth in race 1. They enjoyed a solitary run and untroubled race 2 maintaining fifth place throughout, and once again proved their reliability completing their sixth straight points finish in FA.RO. ACCIAI.
DAC Racing has revealed that Turkish driver Tarik Oktem will make his Class 1 debut in Istanbul alongside Giampaolo Montavoci in Poliform.
Montavoci, a veteran of 102 Grands Prix and 113 race starts, showed and proved his versatility in Sanya, jumping in and out of two different boats to guide two rookies on their Class 1 debuts, racing with Al Mansoori in Team Abu Dhabi in qualifying and with Salim Al Adidi in races 1 & 2 in Poliform, picking up points with both.
The action on the water starts with first official practice on Friday 14 morning followed by official qualifying in the Edox Pole Position in the afternoon. Two further practice sessions are followed by races one and two on Saturday and Sunday at 15.30hrs local Turkish time.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 1
1. 3 Victory Team - 40pts 
2= 10 LFFendi10 - 24pts 
2= 7 HUB Team Australia - 24pts 
4. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 16pts 
5. 91 Zabo-Isiklar - 15pts 
6. 23 FA.RO.ACCIAI - 12pts. 
7. 74 Poliform - 5pts
EDOX POLE POSITION CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 1
1. 3 Victory Team - 20pts 
2. Zabo-Isiklar - 15pts 
3. HUB Team Australia - 12pts 
4. LFFendi10 - 9pts 
5. Team Abu Dhabi - 7pts 
6. FA.RO.ACCIAI - 5pts
7. LFFendi8 - 4pts
www.class-1.com

June 12, 2013

New Model: Galeon 430 Skydeck

With its 420/430 series Galeon was clever to offer a three different combination model using one hull.  The 430 Skydeck is the latest of this series and stands in the middle of the offer between the 420 Fly and 430 HTC, presenting a flybridge with a sports attitude.  A trend very common in seventy plus feet yachts but less so under this size, and I think the first time that this concept is introduced in a twelve meter cruiser.  The flybridge of the 430 Skydeck also follows its sports form offering an interesting central helm, with seats which can become two sun pads or co-driver thanks to its moving back pad.  Below the 430 Skydeck as its other sisters offers a three double cabins layout, with a galley and living located on the main deck.  Power is seven engine choices from Volvo, Cummins, and Volkswagen starting at 260 and up to 400hp with stern drive, line shaft, and IPS pod propulsion options.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.25 m (43.4ft) with optional extended bathing platform
LOA - 12.20 m without extended bathing platform
Hull Length - 11.79 m
Beam - 4.16 m
Draft - 0.80 m ex props
Displacement - 12000 kg light
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 600 l
Water Capacity - 450 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Max Persons - 12
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 260hp, D4 300hp, D6 370hp, D6 400hp, Cummins QSD 4.2 350hp, QSB5.9 380hp, Volkswagen TDI 265hp
Propulsion - line shaft, Volvo forward looking IPS 500 pods, Volvo DPH Stern drive
Speed - 31 knots with Cummins 380hp and shafts
Project - Tony Castro
Certification - CE B

June 11, 2013

Project: Absolute 52 Fly

Italy's Absolute yachts continues to present interesting new projects, with this updating its range to the latest trends.  Now Absolute presents a project for a 52 Fly which in my book should replace the 53, a further evolution of the 50, which in last year's fall also evolved as 55.  On the outside this new 52 Fly does not follow the design of these models but goes to a similar look at what Absolute is showing with its bigger 72, and soon to be launched 64.  That is a more motor yacht look with a flybridge also looking higher, mostly thanks to the more upright angled radar arch.  Inside the 52 Fly will offer three double guest cabins, with an en-suite bathroom for the full beam amidships owners room, and a guest shower head.  The main deck goes with a single step split level saloon with the forward part being dining and relaxing areas, and the entrance having the L-shaped galley to port side.  The outside of the 52 is full of spaces and interesting solutions, from the aft deck this continuing Absolute principle of offering a sun pad, and the flybridge which in my book at least on plan looks to be one of the most spacious in this size, at least to what seating and sunbathing areas are concerned.  That is saying something nowadays, would be interesting to match the square meters area of the models and what they offer.  Engines have not been announced by I can imagine it to be twin Volvo with IPS pod drives.
www.absoluteyachts.com

June 10, 2013

New Model: Delta 33 Open

In early March 2013, Delta unveiled its second model of the Open family the 33, what the Swedish yacht builder calls a cross over offer of day cruiser, walk around and family boat. The 33 Open is again a design to Ted Mannerfelt who was also responsible for the 26. Delta 33 Open offers great social spaces outdoors in a well-tailored cockpit. Inside the 33 offers an owners cabin in the bow with plenty of stowage space, a toilet with separate shower located on the starboard side, and aft we find a generous mid cabin with two berths. Up on deck we find a well-planned and space efficient longitudinal kitchenette. Aft is dining space for up to ten people. Same seating folds easily into a sun bed and then measure the entire 6 square meters. Delta 33 Open is built with the most modern vacuum technology with vinylester and divinycell using Diab core infusion technology and carbon fibre reinforced floors. In combination with cross step hull shapes Delta is promising low fuel consumption; estimated at 1.6 l nm at 30 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.7 m (35.1ft)
Hull Length - 10 m
Beam - 3.10 m
Displacement - 3800 kg
Fuel Capacity - 550 up to 800 l
Accommodation - 4 berths
Engines - 1 x Volvo D6 400hp, 2 x Volvo D3 220hp
Propulsion - single or twin Volvo duo prop stern drive
Max Speed - 43 knots
Range - 250 nm 
Construction - Infused resin with DIAB core, vinylester resin
Project - Ted Mannerfelt

June 9, 2013

Improve-it = Pershing 115

The tenth hull of Pershing 115', flagship of the brand's fleet, who is among the leading manufacturers of high performance open motor yachts from 15 to 35 metres, was launched in the last few days at Marina dei Cesari, in Fano, Italy. The new launch represents an important result for the historic seat of the brand, the Mondolfo shipyard: the super sport yacht of 35 metres, representing the brand at its best, is characterized by refinement and performance. As a mark of the tradition which has made Pershing 115 a timeless model, hull number ten is characterized by sinuous, but decisive external lines with extraordinary performance, thanks to the collaboration between the architect Fulvio De Simoni, Advanced Yacht Technology and& Design, and the team of engineers and designers of the Ferretti Group.  Among the technological innovations it is worth mentioning in particular the highly innovative on board entertainment and domestics system, which can manage the audio, video and lighting systems directly from connected Apple devices – such as the iPad and the iPhone – and also makes it possible to monitor the utilities and the systems on board. Pershing 115 hull ten is a unique yacht of its own kind and it is worth noting the innovative slide in the stern garage that facilitates launching manoeuvres and the storage of a tender and the new type of opening from the bow hangar, which is in line with the family feeling of the Pershing ships: characteristics that contribute to making this new 115 a perfect balance between the traditional elements and some of the new innovations of the most recent models. Pershing 115 hull ten has a layout with four cabins; an Owner's suite and three guest cabins, which can host a total of ten people, and three crew cabins with five beds. A distinctive feature of every Pershing 115 is the personalisation that contributes to making the flagship of the fleet a unique product, varying from one model to another and which can be customized according to the Owner’s needs.  The peculiarity of this model is the elegance that distinguishes its interior design, characterized by the essence of a texture with grey tones, which combines well with the classic metallic outdoor areas and the hull, creating continuity among the various areas of the yacht. Distinctive are also the numerous Alcantara fittings, with sandy and ecru tones, present in the roof, wall and door finishes, which make Pershing 115 hull ten a vessel with an extremely contemporary style.  The boat is motorized by two MTU 3510 mhp engines combined with the applied thrust of two Kamewa hydro-jets.
www.pershing-yacht.com

June 8, 2013

New Model: Azimut 80 Flybridge

Reinventing the wheel how cruisers and yachts look and function has always been part of what Azimut does, and this is why this large private owned builder still as at today even in these hard times creates trends which other builders will eventually follow.  The Italians are inventive in there nature but Azimut clearly deservers a big recognition for what it did in the motor boating world in the past thirty plus of years.  The Azimut 80 for its length brings a fresh new approach turning what other builders do, making a big boat look more compact without it being smaller.  Take a picture of the 80 from a distance and many would tell you she is a sixty footer, or that it is the Azimut 64.  Go close to it and you will say different, as indeed the Azimut 80 has an overall length of over 25 meters.  On the layout terms the Azimut 80 Flybridge offers a traditional four cabins layout with a large full beam owners room amidships, VIP to fore and two double cabins in between.  Two crew cabins sleeping two and sharing a head are located aft.  Still Azimut brings nice features in this size from a Jacuzzi bath on the flybridge, to a day head on the main deck.  Azimut is also offering two stabilization options on the 80 from Seakeeper Gyros, or active CMC fins.  Hull one was build with the CMC fins.  Power is from twin MAN 1550hp engines which give a top speed of 30 knots max.   
Technical Data:
LOA - 25.2 m (82.8ft)
Hull Length - 23.7 m
Beam - 5.96 m
Draft - 1.67 m including props
Displacement - 61 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 6000 l
Water Capacity - 1100 l
Accommodation - 8 guest berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x MAN CR V12 1550hp
Propulsion - line shafts
Speed - 30 knots max, 26 cruise
Hull Shape - planning Vee with 16.6 degrees dead rise aft
Project - Stefano Righini exterior styling and concept, Salvagni Architetti interior
Certification - CE A

June 6, 2013

New Model: Mulder 1300 Cabrio

Mulder Shipyard in the Netherlands has delivered a new member of the renowned Favorite range. This latest Mulder 1300 Favorite Cabrio is the first convertible model in the series as well as paying tribute to be completed at the brand-new shipyard in Zoeterwoude. The classically lined Mulder 1300 Favorite Cabrio is based on the successful line reintroduced by Mulder Shipyard in 2010 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of this cruisers line which brought so much success in the past. The new entry level in all the Mulder and the Favorite line, the 1300 Cabrio was developed in close cooperation with Guido de Groot Design and Vripack Naval Architects. Characteristic features of the modern classic include the nearly straight bow and the sloping transom stern. The 1300 Favorite Cabrio is a distinctive yacht with recognizable retro lines, designed for family sailing. The custom-built 1300 serves as the perfect day-cruiser but is also very suitable for longer stays on board. The elegant 1300 Favorite Cabrio has a functional layout and provides the highest level of luxury and comfort. With her spacious cabins, light saloon, large open cockpit and subtle tender storage making it a true all-rounder.  The electrically operated convertible roof of over twelve square metres creates a unique ‘open experience’. The raised seating area in the saloon, elongated windows on both sides and glass sliding doors with electrically operated sliding windows provide unobstructed views all around. The Favorite 1300 Cabrio has an aluminium hull and superstructure.  Hull one was powered with standard twin 110hp Volvo engines and features a round-bilged hull with propeller shaft propulsion.  Optional power up to twin Volvo 330hp is available.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.5 m (44.2ft)
Beam - 4.30 m
Draft - 1.10 m
Displacement - 14 t
Fuel Capacity - 1500 l
Water Capacity - 600 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D3 110hp, D6 330hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 12 knots max with Volvo 110hp
Hull Shape - round bilge
Construction - full aluminium
Project - Guido de Groot, Vripack Naval Architects
Certification - CE B

June 5, 2013

Project: Viking 42 SC

Creating a model within a model has been a successful path for Viking as demonstrated by the 42 Convertible and Open, which share the same hull with uniquely different deck and interior arrangements. The popularity of these new models has encouraged Viking to expand this theme with a pair of new 42s with striking profiles and special features that showcase Viking’s ability to broaden the appeal of this versatile hull.  Using its five-axis profile, Viking designed and built a plug and a female mold to create a rakish fiberglass deck house module, fully open to the cockpit while incorporating stylish convertible window lines, and the roof overhang and cabin trails. Here comes the 42 SC which has a distinctive New England flavor and includes a choice of a custom fiberglass mast for the radar and other antennas, or a customized radar arch. Each model can be further personalized with dramatic paint schemes to add ones own signature.  The 42 SC sport the familiar twin mezzanine cockpit of the 42 Open, along with the practical and feature full bridge deck and a center console station with the available teak finish helm pod, flanking lounge seating, and an inviting interior with teak joinery, a master stateroom forward, and twin berths aft separated by the salon, the head, and galley. The Viking 42 SC is powered by 600hp Cummins diesels with ZF Zeus pod drives.