New Model: Castagnola 38 WJ

On 22 November 2014 in Lavagna shipyard facilities the futuristic and traditional Castagnola 38 WJ was launched.  The new Castagnola flagship is a super yacht with a length of over 124 feet and an eight meters plus of beam, and as the tradition of this builder dictates is completely built in wood. The hull construction of 38 WJ has been done by mean of the well proven triple planking method; with the additional use of fiberglass and resin improving strength and water resistance. Indeed Castagnola 38 WJ is one of the largest super yachts ever built in wood cold molding, and will be triple water jets powered. Its name is “Angra Too”, as an amazing island of Brazil.  The exterior areas have been designed to ensure maximum comfort and continuity from bow to stern. The cockpit, with a comfortable dining area is protected by the fly bridge and the walk around passages, and is connected through two staircase with the spacious aft swimming platform, the real point of contact with the sea and docking area for the many toys available to owners and guests. The flybridge, a large terrace of 65 sqm positioned at over four meters height from the sea, will be furnished with just few fixed elements to be flexible to the owners and guests needs; interesting at this regard are the two extendable sunbeds as well as a handy bar, a table for twelve and the sofas available at side or front running. At the bow, the wheelhouse with seating for the captain, pilot and passengers. The interiors, developed by the Andrea Borzelli and Sara Berta architects firm as well as the exterior style in cooperation with Giovanni Castagnola, have plenty of space and a habitability both in the day and the night zone. The main deck offers a large living room at the stern, in direct communication with the exterior, furnished with a dining table for twelve people, a living room with two sofas and a fully stocked wet bar. Amidships there is a single guest cabin, a pantry area located between the saloon and the kitchen which is very large and well connected with the crew area and the starboard corridor. The forward area is entirely dedicated to the owners quarter, whit a large full beam cabin, two bathrooms, desk area, walk-in closet and a gorgeous sea view.  Four cabins on the lower deck, each with its own bathroom, along with a comfortable crew mess can accommodate up to seven crew members. The guest area is characterized by two twin cabins and two very comfortable double cabins served by a corridor full of storage spaces.  A modern gym is placed between the crew and the guest area and is directly connected with the upper deck via a dedicated staircase.  Finally in the raised pilot house, next to the dashboard area there is a clever owner office. As far as technical aspects concern, the boat will be powered by three MTU 1948hp each, coupled to three Kamewa water-jets through ZF gearbox and double elastic coupling. Hull lines have been specially designed for the particular propulsion layout, and have been tank tested and optimized. The Castagnola 38 WJ reaches a 28 knots cruise and a 31 knots max speed.

Technical Data:

LOA - 38 m (124.6ft)

Waterline Length - 31.3 m

Beam - 8.1 m

Draft - 1.2 m

Displacement - 146 t

Fuel Capacity - 1800 l

Water Capacity - 2500 l

Accommodation - 10 guests in 5 cabins

Engines - 3 x MTU 12v2000 M94 1948hp

Propulsion - Kamewa 55A3 water jets

Speed - 31 knots max, 28 knots cruise

Construction - cold molded triple planking wood with resin and fiberglass

Project - Giovanni Castagnola, Francesco Rogantin naval architecture, Andrea Borzelli and Sara Berta interior and exterior

Certification - Rina C, Hull Y unrestricted navigation

www.castagnola.biz

Improve-it = Numarine 78 HT

Numarine announced an exciting face lift improvement of the extremely successful 78 Hardtop model.  Undoubtedly a most popular model in Numarine's range, the 78 HT has received postive reviews the world over thanks to striking and unique aesthetics coupled with astounding performance and attention to detail. This new improvement of the 78 follows design cues from the recently launched 70 Hardtop.  That means that the 78 HT gets subtle aesthetic changes which have resulted in a revitalized look whilst still retaining the existing signature design. Most notable in these design changes is the large one piece striking new hull view windows serving the owners stateroom at midships. 

www.numarine.com

New Model: Hatteras GT70

Since Versa Capital became the owners of Hatteras in Summer 2013 there was a lot of questions asked about the future of the legendary North Carolina boat builder. The new GT70 is a positive reply that that the current management wants to see Hatteras move only in one direction; forward. The GT70 follows the recent years introduced GT models, with custom design ques in the exterior looks department being an important element.  This GT70 also takes the mantle of the flagship of the Hatteras GT series which today features a total of four models; 54, 60 and 63.  Accommodation wise the GT70 is a sport-fishing machine with a luxurious accommodation, and performance to match even fully custom builds.  The interior accommodation will feature five double cabins below served with four shower heads. Owners stateroom is located at midships but is not full beam, and will be looking into the starboard side of the hull.  Two further double cabins will be located further to midships and will feature bunk berths, giving the idea of being used as crew rooms. Power options will be standard 1900hp Cat engines, or optional 2600hp MTU units.

Technical Data:

LOA - 22.45 m (73.8ft) with bow pulpit

Hull Length - 21.4 m

Waterline Length - 18.5 m

Beam - 6.5 m

Draft - 1.52 m

Displacement - 54431 kg

Fuel Capacity - 7571 l + optional 2971 l

Water Capacity - 1249 l

Accommodation - 10 guest berths in 5 cabins

Engines - 2 x Cat C32A 1900hp, MTU 16V2000 2600hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 40 knots maximum 

Construction - Isophthalic gel coat, Vinilester resin below waterline, solid fiberglass resin infused hull bottom, closed cell foam core on hull sides

www.hatterasyachts.com

Project: Nordhavn 96

Pacific Asian Enterprises has expanded the Nordhavn line with the addition of the brand new 96. With three hulls already sold, this new design looks to serve as a stepping stone between the large cruiser and super-yacht categories. For the enthusiast who is seeking super-yacht like style and features in a boat that is still able to be managed with no or minimal crew, the Nordhavn 96 is the ideal solution.  She is based on the hull of the very successful Nordhavn 86, and incorporates a three meters hull cockpit extension that allows for space bumps in several areas of the boat including the crew area, saloon and sky lounge. Additional room is also found within the outside deck, aft of the sky lounge as well as the flybridge, which are both lengthened. Chief of Design, Jeff Leishman, N.A., said there will be no changes to fuel capacity and that there may be slight gains in fuel burn due to the N96’s longer water line. Meanwhile, there will be relatively little increase in displacement.  The Nordhavn 96 is an efficient way to give a customer the additional space they are seeking without the drastic cost of building an entirely new hull. Nordhavn has employed this method of thinking with several of its other models including the N52 based on the N47, the N60 and 63 based on the N55, the N68 based on the N64, and the N76 based on the N72, and the approach has been a hugely successful one. The stretched out models proved themselves to be so advantageous that, as a result, they have become more popular than their predecessors. And contrary to a recently published report, there is absolutely zero downside to adding hull extensions. Like the N86, the interior of the Nordhavn 96 is customize able to the owner’s personal vision. She accommodates eight comfortably within the VIP and three guest staterooms, and includes a captain’s cabin and crew quarters with separate entrance. She is propelled with twin Caterpillar 1015hp engines allowing a cruising speed of 10 knots and carries more than 26000 liters of fuel.

www.nordhavn.com

Improve-it = Sunseeker 55 Manhattan

At the 2014 Southampton boat show, Sunseeker have teamed up with The White Company to dress the interior of a 55 Manhattan in their latest collection, ‘Hotel Chic’. With a large number of clients choosing to style their homes with prestigious products, the Sunseeker London Group invited The White Company to showcase a “White Sunseeker”, proving that their collection is for more than just a home. From beautiful lotion scents and stunning candle holders perfect for evenings on the aft deck, to beautiful white 800 thread count bed linen for the finest nights sleep, The White Company products are harmonious with Sunseeker interior styling. The Sunseeker London Group are proud to be able to offer The White Company collection to any client looking to accessories their boat with the finest products.

www.sunseeker.com

New Model: MJM 50z

The new MJM 50z was introduced at the 2014 Newport International Boat Show. Hull one titled Zing featured the triple 435hp Volvo with IPS600 pod drives. Top speeds with this set up is 38 knots. Without steadying sails, all powerboats roll the MJM's less than most due to their low center of gravity. But, the single biggest opportunity for improving comfort afloat on a powerboat is to eliminate rolling. The 50z is the first yacht to offer this leading edge technology as standard equipment. Introduced five years ago, over 1,500 Seakeeper units are now in use worldwide.  The 50z is built lighter and stronger in the USA of pre-preg epoxy, Kevlar, E-Glass and Corecell to exceed ISO Category A Ocean requirements, the highest reating for seaworthiness issued by IMCI, the International Marine Certification Institute in Brussels. And, its sleek profile and low center of gravity make it more safe, seaworthy and fun to drive. Large boats can be intimidating to operate. But, you can park a 50z solo, thanks to 360° visibility, joystick docking and a single level deck from the wheel aft to cockpit side-opening doors onto a floating dock. The MJM 50z offers the best of both worlds: entertaining space for family picnics or cocktail parties on a single level deck. Plus, hospitable staterooms for live-aboard cruising comfort not just sleeping cabins below decks. The 50z is available with two layouts. standard version is a single master stateroom forward, with dinette and galley to midships. The optional replaces the L-shaped saloon to starboard with a cabin featuring a double french berth.

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.84 m (55.3ft)

Beam - 4.57 m

Draft - 1.17 m

Displacement - 13855 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 1968 l

Water Capacity - 643 l

Accommodation - 2 berths in 1 cabin, or 4 berths in 2 cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 435hp, 3 x Volvo D6 435hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pod drives

Speed - 40 knots max, 35 knots cruise with 3 x 435hp

Hull Shape - modified Vee with 19 degrees dead-rise aft

Construction - Prepreg Epoxy, Kevlar, E-glass, CoreCell core, with Awlcraft 2000 paint

Project - Doug Zern

Certification - ISO CE A

www.mjmyachts.com

Project: Sea Ray L590 Fly

When Sea Ray announced its new class of luxury yachts, the L-Class, at February’s Miami Boat Show, it marked a new chapter in the company’s esteemed history. Now that chapter gains an exciting new development with the introduction of the L590 Fly.  With its graceful profile, social flybridge and easy livability, the L590 Fly joins its larger L-Class siblings, the L650 and L650 Fly, in embodying a distinct marriage of style and substance. Polished aesthetics are matched by effortless ergonomics, sleek lines and state-of-the-art propulsion technology.  The L590 Fly is loaded with forward-thinking features that demonstrate Sea Ray’s Next Wave initiative, a commitment to innovative thinking and inspired execution. On the lower level, living space abounds, with a large master suite with private head, two additional staterooms and a well-appointed guest head. Add to all of this the large and accommodating bridge up top, and the L590 Fly guarantees that guests can settle in for long days of good company.  Further, the L-Class offers a bespoke customer experience, including a comprehensive three-year, bow-to-stern warranty, a concierge-guided buying experience with personalized delivery, and 24-hour dedicated customer service throughout North America.  Performance will also astound. Breakthroughs including an optional Seakeeper gyroscope deliver stability in any seas, and Sea Ray’s impeccable hull construction means unparalleled ride quality. Impressive performance and control can be expected from a propulsion system that features triple Zeus pods powered by Cummins 600hp diesel engines. 

www.searay.com

New Model: Viking 92 Enclosed Bridge Convertible

It was definitely one of the most awaited new models to come for the year 2014, from the USA. The new Viking 92 flagship, is an important moment in production sport-fish yachts history as in recent years these seem to have got on the size, bigger is better bug. The new Viking 92 increases the New Jersey located boat builder size by ten feet, but these three meters make an important statement and now the knocking on the door is for the one hundred feet barrier. Like most of all new Vikings the 92 is a completely new model, with hull number one being a more all year user friendly Enclosed Bridge version.  As any Viking the 92 Enclosed Bridge boast full sport-fisherman friendly features, from a super large aft cockpit, to a raised optional tower.  The accommodation plan will features five double guest cabins; with an owners stateroom located midships, and a VIP room forward and three other guest cabins in between. A crew cabins area with a single or twin rooms will be located astern behind the central located engine room.  Power is twin Cat 1900 or MTU 2600hp engines.

Technical Data:

LOA - 28.45 m (93.4ft)

Beam - 7.03 m

Draft - 1.77 m

Displacement - 88450 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 15141 l

Water Capacity - 1703 l

Accommodation - 10 guests in five cabins, 1 or 2 crew cabins sleeping 2 to 4 members

Engines - 2 x Cat C32A 1900hp, MTU 16V2000 CR 2600hp

Propulsion - line shafts

www.vikingyachts.com

Project: Cheoy Lee 150 Explorer

Pushed by the signing of new designer Jon Overing and following the popularity of the Cheoy Lee long-range explorer yachts, a new generation redesign could further enhance the noteworthy efficiency of the displacement steel hull. A powerful single engine Caterpillar 1911hp, with a diesel propulsion engine forward as backup, combined with the large rudder and hydrodynamic bulbous hull, deliver 35% lower fuel consumption. This efficiency is strategic, giving better efficiency and an intent to add a "green" factor to its Explorer series.  While the Explorer yacht's heritage lies in Cheoy Lee's tradition of building durable, long-range commercial ships, the luxury consumer amenities of the model are unsurpassed by other such vessels in its class. The 150 Explorer can travel self-sustained for long distances without sacrificing a single creature comfort. The increased fuel capacity now enables travel from seven to nine thousand nautical miles, enabling exploration of multiple destinations in one cruise. The new 150 Explorer also has increased living space, in keeping with the design philosophies of Cheoy Lee. Utilizing the full capacity of the vessel's depth, piping and wiring are all conveniently located beneath the sole, easily accessible for maintenance, leaving more efficient use of space above for spacious cabins, salon and galley areas.  The Cheoy Lee 150 Explorer's three and a half deck layout provides for great interior volume and versatility. 

www.cheoylee.com

New Model: Absolute 60 Fly

Absolute continues to be a name on the rise, and this new 60 Fly model proves what a solid boat building reality the North Italian builder is nowadays.  For the 60 Fly the Absolute Research Lab follows the looks of the larger 64 and 72 models of the same line. Still the Absolute 60 Fly has one of the most interesting upper profiles in its size and still feeling very much a bigger yacht thanks to its deep side decks and overall looks.  The 60 Fly is a three double guest cabin motor yacht with the standard nowadays layout of full beam owners room, forward VIP, and twin guest cabin to starboard. A two berth crew cabin with private shower head is located aft. The Absolute 60 Fly as all models from the Piacenza builder is IPS pod drive propelled, and will have Volvo 626 or 725hp engine choices. Hull one of the 60 Fly featured the larger 725hp option which gave interesting 34 knots wide open throttle speeds and 28 cruise.  

Technical Data:

LOA - 18.4 m (60.4ft)

Beam - 5.05 m

Displacement - 28 t

Fuel Capacity - 2400 l

Water Capacity - 600 l

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

Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 626hp, D11 725hp

Propulsion - forward looking dual propeller IPS pod drive

Speed - 28 knots cruise, 34 knots max with Volvo 725hp

Project - Absolute Research Lab

Certification - CE B

www.absoluteyachts.com