Project: Horizon E56 XO

Horizon announces the project for a new E56 XO sport yacht.  The E56 XO is based on the popular E56 motor yacht model and is designed primarily for the Australian market, although Horizon sees her potential for the global market. Hull one of the Horizon E56XO sport yacht is in the beginning stages of construction and scheduled to make her world debut in May 2016 at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in Australia. The new Horizon E56 XO features sleek exterior styling, with reduced gunnel heights for a lower profile and large window lines, and her newly-designed outdoor areas focuses on the ultimate alfresco experience. A custom-designed aft deck transom cabinet transforms into a serving area, incorporating a BBQ, sink, storage, and bait-well.  A perfect spot to entertain or relax in while guests partake in water sports off of the hydraulic swim platform. For sunny days at anchor, the E56 XO’s forward deck offers a dinette seating and sun-pads, a popular design on Horizon’s larger motor-yachts now included in this model.  As the first Horizon E56 XO will debut in Australia, the main deck opens to a fully-equipped aft-galley and breakfast bar; extensive storage is located on the starboard side and includes a hydraulic Hi/Lo TV that is ideally located for viewing either in the galley or the forward salon. With a Hi/Lo table and U-shaped seating, the salon can be easily transformed into a dining area that accommodates six guests. The forward lower helm features twin helm chairs, complete Raymarine navigational equipment, and everything needed to safely and easily pilot the E56 XO sport yacht.  Below deck, the full-beam Master stateroom is laid out to maximize space, with the head forward of the Queen bed, a chaise to starboard for taking in the view, and a large expanse of storage cabinets plus a closet to port. The VIP stateroom is found forward in the bow and replicated from the E56 model, but the starboard twin stateroom includes two twin beds; a sizable shared head is located to starboard.  Powered by twin CAT 705hp engines, the new Horizon E56 XO is estimated to reach a top speed of 26 knots; with the optional Volvo 725hp but coupled to IPS pod drives, she will attain a top speed of 32 knots. Additionally, the hull has been designed to accommodate Seakeeper gyro stabilizers if desired, and the Yacht Controller wireless remote docking system included in hull one ensures stress-free maneuvering and docking.

www.horizonyacht.com

New Model: Heesen 50m YN 17350

Heesen announces the delivery of 50m full custom super yacht Ann G hull number YN 17350.  This latest Hessen has been intensively tested in the North Sea and exceeded the contractual speed by 0.6 knots, reaching a top speed of 15.6 knots!  Arcon Yachts projected and managed the construction of this unique super yacht.  The owner appointed Clifford Denn to draw the exterior profile of his unique Heesen, a perfect example of a vessel that exudes the strong individuality of her owner while keeping the family feeling that characterizes all yachts delivered by Heesen.  Award-winning designers Raymond Langton and team created the bold interiors of Ann G.

Technical Data:

LOA - 49.6 m (163ft)

Beam - 9 m

Accommodation - 10 guests in 5 cabins

Engines - 2 x MTU 8V4000 M63 1341hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 15 knots max, 12 knots cruise

Range - 4000 nm at 12 knots

Hull Shape - displacement

Project - Clifford Denn exterior, Raymond Langton interior, Van Oossanen and Associates naval architect

Certification - Lloyds 100A1 SSC Yacht LMC UMS

www.heesenyachts.com

Project: Cranchi 60 ST Yacht Class

Cranchi have recently started a revamp of all its range, with a focus centered on its fifty plus feet Yacht Class range models. The 60 ST is an evolution of the 56 model of the same name, with the two letter initials say this is Cranchi's open cockpit soft top sport yacht model.  The 56 will indeed feature a large open main deck with all the bells and whistles as aft sun-pad with underneath tender garage, dinette, exterior galley, and a central helm station.  Below is an accommodation plan with three double cabins, two shower heads; one of which en-suite for the midships owners cabin, galley to port, and a C-shaped dinette to starboard.  Power options will come from twin Volvo 625 or optional 725hp engines with IPS pods propulsion.

www.cranchi.it

New Model: Whitehaven 6000 Sunbridge

Whitehaven continues to expand its 6000 series with the introduction of a new Sunbridge offer. The 6000 Series has been engineered for smooth, dry performance in all conditions and with an interior layout and finish for those who appreciate quality.  The spacious fly-bridge layout provides owners with another area to entertain.  The generously-sized aft cockpit is the ideal platform for alfresco living, with easy one level access to the galley which boasts top of the range appliances, adjacent to the saloon. Handcrafted joinery and masterful glazing add to the feeling of space, offering unobstructed views and natural light in the saloon.  Besenzoni helm chairs and uncluttered dash set up, fitted with the latest generation electronics to the owner’s preference, complement the impeccable styling of the interiors.  Standard in the stock boat package is a three station Yacht Controller complete with remote, plus fore and aft Vetus thrusters, and Twin Disc Quick Shift gearboxes, which make maneuvering effortless.  Aft and forward galley options complement the saloon layout, with a spacious entertainer’s cockpit decked out with dining setting, refrigeration, Corian preparation area and stainless steel barbecue.  Wide stairs lead to the bridge where the dining area, fridge and day beds with bimini or optional hard top create the perfect outdoor leisure entertaining space. Below decks, the full-beam Master takes advantage of the wide five meters plus beam for optimum space. The Whitehaven 6000 Series features a large tender garage with room for a three meter plus tender or jet-ski, an attribute more commonly found on sport yachts of this size, then flybridge models.  The first model to launch of the 6000 Sunbridge is powered with twin Cats 1150hp engines, which should give a top speed of over 30 knots.  An interesting number in the Whitehaven 6000 is also its massive 5500 liters fuel capacity, what is about sixty percent more to other yachts of similar size.  

Technical Data:

LOA - 19.1 m (62.6ft)

Beam - 5.33 m

Draft - 1.47 m

Displacement - 31 t

Fuel Capacity - 5500 l

Water Capacity - 800 l

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins

Engines - 2 x Cats C18 1150hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 30 knots max

www.whitehavenmotoryachts.com.au

Project: Baglietto 48m Displacement

Baglietto is going through very exciting times: after the launch of the 46m, MV13, and a 43m the Italian boat builder is now announcing a new work order for a 48m vessel to a Mexican Owner.  This latter project too, which is the evolution of the 46m displacement model, will be signed by Francesco Paszkowski Design and will draw inspiration from the traditional stylish features of Baglietto displacement yachts. It is expected to be delivered in 2017. This new build is indeed marking Baglietto’s entrance into the Central American market, which has already showed great interest for the La Spezia based brand. Besides the 43m model launched last July 25th, by the end of this year Baglietto will also launch a new Fast 46m vessel. The planing range will be completed by an entry-level model, 38 meters in length. Entirely designed by Francesco Paszkowski Design too, the displacement range will include, besides the 48m, a 54m to be launched by the end of this year, a new 43m and a 55m, whose construction was recently started, as well as the projects for a 58m and a 62m.  These two lines, which represent Baglietto's core business, are sharing the spotlight with the MV range; a modern reinterpretation of historical underwater assault vehicles with the introduction of the MV19, the larger sister of the MV13, whose first hull, the LAP-1, was recently delivered to its renowned owner, Lapo Elkann.

www.baglietto.com

New Model: Ferretti 700

By surprise at the 2015 Cannes boat show, Ferretti presented a new 700 model.  An evolution and replacement of the 2012 launched 690, the 700 brings design details from the 550; see side hull windows, and wrap around main deck glass.  Another important change will be the galley location in the middle of the saloon. In the 690 the galley was located astern, a Ferretti innovative feature in this type of motor yacht when in 2005 the 630 model was presented with this layout and since then evolved in other smaller Ferretti's and copied my many other builders. Designed as usual by Zuccon the 700 is a Ferretti quintessential flybridge motor yacht, with a low profile main deck making it look less bulky to most of the offering from the competition.  Her layout will offer two lower deck options; three double cabins or a four cabins choice. In both layouts the owner stateroom stays at midships; with the three cabin version offering a second VIP room in between owners and forward cabin.  Power comes from MAN 1000hp or larger optional 1200hp units. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 21.59 m (70.9ft)

Hull Length - 20.6 m

Waterline Length - 17.6 m

Beam - 5.53 m

Draft - 1.7 m

Displacement - 42,300 kg unloaded, 49,300 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 3700 l

Water Capacity - 990 l

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, or 8 berths in 4 cabins, 1 crew berth in 1 cabin

Max Persons - 18

Engines - 2 x MAN V8 1000hp, V8 1200hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 31 knots max, 28 knots cruise with 1200hp

Range - 300 nm at 28 knots

Hull Shape - warped modified Vee with spray rails and 12 degrees dead-rise aft

Project - Zuccon, Ferretti Group Engineering hull and propulsion

Certification - CE 2003/44 A, modules B + F + Aa (sound emissions)

www.ferretti-yachts.com

Project: Bavaria DA10

Now after the announcement of Bavaria at the beginning of September to develop a revolutionary new motorboat concept the first drawings are done. This opens a new phase in the project DA10. The first prototype will set sail in spring 2016.  From customer surveys, market analyses in cooperation with the global dealer network of Bavaria and countless in-house workshops in cooperation with Vripack, one of the most known design offices for yachts from the Netherlands, Bavaria has compiled the design draft for DA10 what is a classic contemporary design, a clever space concept and efficiency were the central themes of the first development steps. Result: There will be a Sedan and Fly version of the DA10, alternatively in a two or three cabins version. The central place of the life on board of the DA10 is the main deck spacious salon. Both from the central helm stand, the big drawing room table and completely furnished galley with cooker, stove and a big fridge you can enjoy the perfect 360-degree view of the sea and of the nature.  Below the saloon are the engine and the technology of the DA10. With this revolutionary space concept it is possible to create more space for all cabins, but particularly for the aft cabin.  A proper suite is planned for the owner in the fore ship. A thought-out full light concept with windows and big hatches in the deck creates a bright ambiance in the owner´s cabin. Beside a king-size bed and storage spots in the wardrobes and storages, the future owner will also have an own bathroom with shower.  As a semi displacement motor yacht the DA10 of Bavaria is not designed for speed, but for economical cruising, safety, comfort and a travelling in harmony with nature. Volvo engines of between 75hp and 300hp give the necessary driving power. The body form, engine, gearing, and propellers of the DA10 have already been thoroughly tested, optimized, and tuned by computer simulations in large series of experiments to ensure a fuel consumption that is as low as possible.

www.bavaria-yachtbau.com

blogger - This 2015

2015 comes closer to its end, and while a growth in the nautical industry versus 2014 continues, we are very far away from the golden years. To put it softly it is possible that in some national markets the golden years will take a lot of time returning.  

Motor boating in general has gone very upmarket in recent years.  We are seeing nowadays prices of twelve meters plus having a  fifty per cent increase to those of 2010.  Unfortunately it seems that motor boat builders and to some extent buyers as well, cannot take the competitive vision the sailing community has, with the luxury part being only a small percentage. On the other part the famous motor boating brands nowadays seem to have the price only a bit short of what a custom or more exclusive builder usually charges.  That is very different how it was in the start of the new millennium.  

Exceptions though exist, to name a few names French giant Beneteau, Bavaria motor boat section, and Cranchi.  All these are competitive in the price part offering; the term is surely more feet for less cash and they have been very successful sub fifty feet.  Over this size there is a certain brand building which they cannot over come as yet.  Luxury is part of the package and becomes important as much as the price.  But it will be interesting in the near years to see if this is the time, to do the that extra step.     

Monthly News - November 2015

-pic of the month- Moonen Back on Course

Azimut-Benetti Group Receives Mets IBI Award

According to the authoritative judges of the Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement, Paolo Vitelli's name is synonymous worldwide with Italy's highest production and innovation capacity in the nautical sector. For the first time in nautical history, the careers and contributions of leading nautical entrepreneurs over the last 50 years were measured against one another under the auspices of the prestigious IBI (International Boat Industry) magazine and of Amsterdam’s METS, the world's largest marine equipment trade show. The qualified jury, made up of nine journalists and industry experts called on to evaluate the candidates of the first ever "Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement", granted the "Lifetime Achievement Award" to Paolo Vitelli, founder and president of the Azimut|Benetti Group, a world-leading Italian company in the production of mega yachts. Paolo Vitelli thanked the jury, IBI and METS for the detailed and flattering review of his own personal milestones and those of Azimut|Benetti. In his speech, he pointed out that, in order to be an entrepreneur, you need a dream, a driving passion and a firm commitment, as well as a pinch of positive madness, the latter having being his most crucial quality in tackling the great challenges that have earned the company its present day success. The president of the Italian group also directed an encouraging exhortation to young people, now that markets seem to be recovering, inviting them to take on even greater professional challenges than his, without the fear of 'daring'. In its many years of challenging, hard work since 1969, Azimut|Benetti has introduced countless corporate and product innovations, many of which have become veritable turning points, paving the way for and dictating new technical, strategic and commercial trends soon adopted by the rest of the industry. Just to name a few, the company is responsible for introducing the use of fibreglass for boats over 30 meters in length; for being the first to pioneer and believe in the US market, in which it currently boasts a solid and widespread presence; and for internationalizing the Italian Azimut|Benetti brand, ensuring its steady growth and turning it into the undisputed industry leader. Today, the driving force behind the company's success is the father-daughter team made up of Paolo and Giovanna Vitelli. Over 250 people, including VIPs and representatives of the exhibiting and winning companies, took part in the first prize-giving gala evening, which took place in the spectacular glass-roofed garden of the Maritime Museum in Amsterdam as part of METS 2015 (Marine Equipment Trade Show).

Bavaria with Strong Teams on a Growth Path

Bavaria Yachtbau with strong teams on a growth path All the signs point to continued growth for Bavaria Yachtbau. Due to the very good order intake from the autumn boat shows in Europe, the US and Asia all production lines at Bavaria are busy. This requires not only new recruits for the production section but also in the sales, marketing, finance and development departments as Bavaria strengthens the existing teams with new members. Jürgen Scholz joins Bavaria as the new Head of Sales. The management expert will strengthen the development of the international dealer network and the strategic adjustment of the new-customers business. Bavaria has more than 100 dealers in 52 countries and will deliver more than 1.200 yachts this year worldwide. Thorben Will is the new Head of Marketing at Bavaria. His first task will be the organization of the upcoming boat shows, especially the boot Düsseldorf in January. For the first time Bavaria will display all their catamarans, sailing and motorboats in one stand called Bavaria World in hall 17. That means 18 yachts on a 3.500 square meter booth. As Head of Program Management, Alexander Berg will be responsible for the whole development process of sailing and motor yachts from the first drawing to market introduction. Alexander has over twenty years experience in the marine industry as a surveyor and manager of a shipyard. Because of the growing demand for financing or leasing of yachts, Bavaria set up a new department. Martin Bijl now supports the worldwide dealer network in all questions regarding financing and leasing in the new Service Customer Financing.

Bavaria CharterExpo

5,000 meetings within three days more exhibitors, more visitors, more meetings, more deals. With this simple formula one could summarize the success of the second edition of the CharterExpo. From the 23rd to the 25th of November charter enterprisers, agencies, investors and decision-makers met in Berlin at the probably biggest B2B exhibition in Europe of the charter industry. In 5,000 meetings over three days not only old contacts were maintained and new contacts separately attached, also very concrete deals for the charter season 2016 were closed. The CharterExpo was organized by the biggest shipyard of Germany for yachts named Bavaria Yachtsand the worldwide biggest reservation system of yacht chartering Yachtbooker.

Horizon Yachts Hosting Fourth Open House

Horizon Yachts is pleased to announce the 2016 Horizon Open House will be hosted March 10th-13th, 2016 at the Horizon City Marina which is located alomgside the 2016 Taiwan International Boat Show at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center in downtown Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Horizon plans to showcase four luxury yachts at Horizon City Marina for Open House event, an E84 motoryacht, E56motoryacht, and two yachts specifically for the Taiwan market, as well as a display of three yachts at the 2016 Taiwan International Boat Show: the debuting FD85 fast displacement motoryacht, new RP120 superyacht, and the E56 motoryacht. The 2016 Horizon Open House is a biennial event that honors Horizon as one of the world’s leading luxury yacht builders. Along with the yacht showcase, the Horizon Open House will encompass shipyard factory tours, VVIP and VIP events, a Kaohsiung sight-seeing city tour, and more; the event is expected to draw more than 1,000 guests from around the world. 

Invictus Sells Fifty Boats in Just Over a Year

In little over a year since its first debut, the innovative Italian yard, Invictus Yacht, has managed to establish their market presence as an example to follow in terms of quality, aesthetic research and performance elements that distinguish each of their boats. But the most important and encouraging prize come from the clients. The numbers speak clearly: one year after presentation and six months of sales, Invictus Yacht has already sold more than 50 boats in Italy, France, Spain, Serbia, Montenegro. Exceptional results, especially when you consider market conditions and fierce national and international competition.

Moonen Back on Course

Moonen Shipyards in the Netherlands is making a strong recovery from the financial turbulence it faced earlier this year due to problems entirely beyond the yard’s control. Construction of one of the yard’s ongoing projects – a 30-metre motoryacht in Moonen’s new Caribbean range – has now recommenced in full cooperation with the owner, shareholder, subcontractors and suppliers. In addition, a number of other clients have submitted their yachts for refits as a sign of their support for Moonen. Moonen Shipyards has built many award-winning motoryachts over the decades but Saturday 14 November 2015 may well go down as one of the most pivotal moments in the yard’s distinguished history. As the hull and superstructure of the 30-metre motoryacht Matica were joined together, it symbolised the unity and determination to see the yard come out of its recent financial turmoil and regain its place as a leading exponent of premium quality yachts. The announcement of a ‘suspension of payment’ at Moonen in July 2015 shocked everyone in the superyacht industry. It came as a complete surprise as the yard had found a major new shareholder two years ago with significant financial clout in the form of Mexico’s largest steel manufacturer. AMHSA’s commitment to the future of Moonen was such that it had commissioned the first in a new and very well received range of semicustom motoryachts called the Caribbean series. The innovative nature of the Caribbean series is one of the many reasons why people were saddened to hear of the troubles at Moonen. The yard has a reputation for combining forward thinking design and technology with the traditional values of Dutch craftsmanship that are appreciated around the globe. The management and craftsmen at Moonen are also well-known for their hospitality and commitment to owner satisfaction, so the enforced suspension of payment had a personal impact on many. This warm heart towards Moonen has also been its saving grace at this vital moment in the yard’s history, as Bilterijst explains. The Matica yacht is slated for launching in July 2016. And the confidence shown by the owner that Moonen will complete the build has been mirrored by very practical support from several other clients who have submitted their Moonen superyachts for refits at the yard. These include the Moonen 97 Etoile d’Azur and the Moonen 97 Nimbus, both of which are being given a new exterior paint livery, having modifications made to their interiors, and enjoying a range of technical upgrades and maintenance. Delivery of both yachts is planned for the spring of 2016. The management team are now working towards solutions that will enable the suspension of payment to be lifted. 

Sea Ray New Owners Club

Sea Ray announced the launch of a newly revamped Sea Ray Owners Club during a successful VIP Event held on opening night of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. At the party on Thursday evening—during which Sea Ray also debuted two new yacht models, the 400 Sundancer and 400 Fly. President Tim Schiek addressed the large group of Sea Ray customers, dealers and executives in attendance. The mission of the new Sea Ray Owners Club is to Celebrate, Connect and Empower owners in a whole new way. In addition to these engaging local events, Sea Ray is also launching a new online community. Benefits available through the Sea Ray Owners Club include free on-water and on-road towing coverage from NBOA; discounts on concierge services, dockage and fuel from MarinaLife; exclusive savings from grilling and cooktops manufacturer Kenyon International; fuel credits from The Out Islands of The Bahamas; hotel discounts from the InterContinental Hotels Group; and many more. From now through January, the Sea Ray Owners Club Online Community will be in beta testing phase. Owners are encouraged to register and log their feedback in the “ideas” section of the site. 

Tankoa Sets FCP Buisness Unit

FLIBS was the occasion to follow up top brokerage houses and discuss the potential opportunities to position Tankoa Yachts as a contender to bid on new construction for their clients. Considering the extremely high interest for Tankoa as a builder, it has been decided to create a “FCP business unit”, FCP standing for Fully Custom Projects. This new unit will benefit from the yard’s now impressive hull platform collections of 50, 53, 55, 58, 60, 65, 71, 80 and 88 meter to adapt them to clients’ own projects created by a designer of their choice. This new unit will also be handled by a cohesive collaboration between Yacht-Ology together with Tankoa’s expertise Euro Contenti (CEO), Edoardo Ratto (G.M) and Renzo Chelazzi (S.M.), whose technical knowledge is limitless. Yacht-Ology has already received massive interests from brokers on this end.

Viking Veteran Days

Viking have been a day early with its acknowledgment of Veteran's Day. But Viking are taking that liberty because in truth every day lived is owe to the amazing men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Thank you for your service in making America the greatest country in the world

Vitruvius Takes ISS Awards

M/YGrace E by Vitruvius Yachts has been awarded the Best Power Yacht in the 65m+ category at the International Superyacht Society Design Awards 2015, which took place on the eve of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The category featured a number of high- profile superyachts alongside Grace E, each from prestigious yards and designers; but she continued her winning streak of 2015 with another victory. The peer-reviewed ISS Design Awards are judged by leading naval architects and designers in the industry, and this year celebrated was the competition’s 25th anniversary. The judges commented that some of Grace E’s winning factors include her efficient hull form and timeless exterior and interior styling as well as the planning and emphasis on world cruising that went into her design, keeping the environment in mind. The third motor-yacht built from Philippe Briand’s designs for Vitruvius Yachts, in 2014 the 73m Grace E was delivered to her owners at the Picchiotti shipyard in La Spezia. The flagship vessel has since received widespread acclaim from the yachting community, and has been bestowed with numerous industry awards. Earlier this year, she won Best Motor Yacht Under 75m and Motor Yacht of the Year categories at the World Superyacht Awards, as well as a trio of Showboats Design Awards for exterior design and styling, naval architecture and environmental protection. Grace E was designed with innovation in mind across her five decks, not least below the water’s surface in her patented Briand Optimized Hull shape. This advanced naval architecture, combined with her diesel-electric propulsion, maximizes efficiency to provide an enviable cruising range of 7,500nm. Her interior includes a dedicated wellness deck and cleverly configured guest suites that can be conjoined via moving walls. Vitruvius Yachts has recently announced a number of new projects, including an 80m yacht to be built at Turquoise Yachts, a 60m yacht to be built in Northern Europe and 105m collaborative project with Oceanco. Although all designs for Vitruvius Yachts are unique, they follow a familiar theme and defined signature ‘look’, with specific attention to balance, efficiency and robustness in their design.

Wider Sea Trials Underway

The first sea trial on board the Wider 150, project “Genesi”, was undertaken on the 12th of November; weather conditions were good and sea state calm. The Wider technical team were joined on board by specialists from Veth, who were on hand to analyse the performance of the azimuthal pods that provide thrust, along with technicians from Emerson Industrial Automation who were eager to see the power management system working under the actual conditions it was designed for.

Project: Filippetti F93

Currently in build at Filippetti is a new F93 model with a launch date for mid 2016.  The Filippetti F93 is a design to renowned Italian designer Fulvio de Simoni.  For this new model the F93 will follow the footsteps of the F76, which was a resounding success for Filippetti about a decade ago, thanks to the innovative fore deck dinette on a motor yacht of 23 meters.  The F93 will feature classic modern Italian yacht lines with a flybridge giving a very interesting sporty hiding appearance. The interior layout will offer four double guest cabins, while at midships will be a crew lobby which also will feature the yachts galley, a small dinette, and two cabins. Power options for the F93 will come from a standard 1948hp MTU with shaft line, and a unique option for a flybridge motor yacht of twin 2600hp and Arnesons surface drives.  This speed enthusiast option will give top speeds up to 45 knots. 

www.filippettiyacht.com