August 17, 2018

Project: Filippetti S55

Considering that in the last two decades Fausto Filippetti has concentrated most of his efforts in building flybridge super yachts above 24 meters, it is interesting to see him return back to his roots with the S55.  Why am I saying all this, because Fausto Filippetti was one of the three co-founders who back in 1985 founded the Pershing shipyard, who today is considered as one of the most important names in the fifteen to thirty meter sport yacht size nonetheless also the trend setter who has set the rules for others to follow since the nineties.  The Filippetti S55 looks a lot in the direction to Fausto previous creations and comes from a design of Davide Cipriani, and is a three cabin sport yacht inspired to very aggressive yet clean lines.  The interior will feature three double cabins including a full beam owners stateroom, VIP forward cabin, and a third twin bunk berths cabin to starboard.  A spacious L-shaped galley is located below, while the living including a C-shaped dinette, a wet bar and grill are all located on the main deck.   The Filippetti S55 which actually was born couple years back as an S53 concept is to be powered by three engine choices set ups starting from twin Volvo 725hp with IPS pod propulsion, and going up to twin Cats 1000hp and or 1200hp with sufrace drives propulsion.  The standard engine pod set up has estimated top speeds of 34 knots, while the more performance orientated surface drives will deliver 43 and 50 knots high speeds.  

August 16, 2018

Alfamarine New Web Site

Alfamarine from Fiumicino the West sea side of the Italian capital city Rome presents its new World wide web showroom.  Alfamarine and Fazioli make a great part of the Italian story of pleasure boating from the mid seventies onward with some record breaking models in the making.  Alfamarine started its course in 1955 when Marcello Fazioli enters boat racing not only as a racer but also by building outboard powered speed boats for himself and on commission.  But the story of Alfamarine as a boat builder starts in 1975 when the yard in Fiumicino is founded and Marcello Fazioli launches the 40 Bronte model designed by Renato Sonny Levi and Franco Harrauer, two of the most innovative naval architects of the time specialized in fast deep Vee bottoms, who the lessons and innovations they introduced are still very much valid then as today.  Build of fiberglass the Alfamarine 40 Bronte is a huge success becoming the yard all time best seller with 146 units sold over its production run, and offered with two propulsion choices; Levi's Step surface drive and the standard line shaft, and available in three versions S for the open, Motoryacht for the flybridge, and the Fisherman with a lowered stern.  Alfamarine moves forward and after the success of the first model launches the bigger Alfamarine 60 Delta, and then the 16,50 Motoryacht.  A 35 is presented in 1985 the fourth and smallest ever produced model by Alfamarine, what is a chopped smaller 40 Bronte sport cruiser designed again by Franco Harrauer.  In the eighties Alfamarine competes with neighboring central and South Italian builders for making fast seaworthy large yachts; and Harrauer again designs the company first super yacht, the 83 Cronos a deep 25 degrees Vee deadrise hulled with a wide body upper structure design which will sell in six units.  The Cronos will reach 32 knots speeds with standard twin 1400hp engines, and will also be offered as the 83 Super Cronos with triple engines totalling 5000hp and Arneson surface drives project who in theory should have arrived up to fifty knots but unfortunately no unit sold with this power.  An Alfamarine 90 is later launched in 1993, what is an extended 83 Cronos with a totally re-invented more traditional not wide body upper structure.  After the 83 Cronos, Harrauer will design the Alfamarine 65 launched in 1991 and based on the 55 hull but with a triple Man 1000hp set up reaching speeds of sixty knots, 61.5 to be exact as recorded during its sea trials.  Always precise and technical in the details Alfamarine will launch other models over the years, the 55 in 1990 sees the yard go into a more conservative style and will sell in ten units.  Launched first as the 47 in 1991 and in 1995 becoming the 50 this model sees Alfamarine go into more modern nineties styling featuring a sloop stern design and later 1995 and newer versions also featuring an integrated windshield radar arch design and extended bathing platform.  The Alftamarine 50 will also embrace the Italian aft cabin sport cruiser yacht which was so popular in the eighty and nineties by many sport cruiser and yacht biulders of the shoe shaped peninsula.  The 50 is followed by the similar styled and smaller Alfamarine 43 designed by Fabio Buzzi and launched in 1994 and becoming the 47 in 1997, what is a model just as the 50 still offered in the production catalogue.  The Alfamarine 60 is launched in 1998 and is followed in 2002 with the 58, a modern version of the 1990 launched 55.  In 2003 Alfamarine launched the custom full displacement, steel construction and its largest build to date 140 triple deck to a design of Andrea Bacigalupo, who is then again used in the much admired 78 launched in 2004 and its smaller 72 sister in 2007.   Alfarmaine has won various prizes over the years with the most important being the Golden Keel awarded in 1985 for the 83 Cronos, and 2005 European Prize for the 78.  Today Alfamarine is managed by founder Marcello Fazioli and his son Andrea, and together apart offering a full refit service in Fiumicino offer seven build to order semi custom sport cruiser and yachts which start with the 47, and go up to the one off build 140.  Alfamarine latest model is the the hard-top updated 60 presented in 2009.  Alfamarine new website takes you around with the following buttons; Our Story, Building Site, Services, Achievements, and Contacts. Alfamarine is also on social media with button links to its Facebook and Youtube pages at the right top corner of the page.
Production History;
40 Bronte Fly 1975-90 (146) *includes S
40 Bronte S 1978-90 (146) includes Fly
60 Delta 1978 (1)
16.50 1981-90
83 Cronos 1982-92 (6)
35 1985-90
55 1990-93 (5)
47 1991-94
65 1991 (1)
90 1993 (1)
43 1994-96
50 1995-
47 1997-
60 1998-
58 2002-
47 m 2003 (1)
78 2004-15 (10)
72 2007-12 (6)
60 HT 2009-

August 15, 2018

Project: Viking 58 Convertible

The Viking Yacht Company is proud to announce the second generation of its 58 Convertible, the successor to the legendary 1990's model that helped build the New Jersey company into a sportfishing powerhouse.  From 1991 to 2000 luxury tax included Viking sold 110 of its first-generation 58 Convertibles.  Today eighteen years later Viking presents the 58 Convertible generation two poised to stake its claim as a tournament champion and the best high-performing family cruising yacht in its class. The 58 arrives as the culmination of nearly 55 years of convertible sportfishing design, engineering and manufacturing experience.  The Viking 58 Convertible comes on strong with our signature walk-around center console flybridge helm station with flanking lounges, fifteen square-meters cockpit and observation mezzanine. The private and comfortable three-stateroom, two-head layout maximizes the vessel's five meters plus of beam. A forward stateroom with a queen berth is standard, with an optional cross-over arrangement. Our design team has done a phenomenal job with the salon and galley arrangement, creating a highly functional open layout with a balanced mix of amenities for entertaining, relaxing or dining.  Viking 58 Convertible hull one which is nearly completed will be powered by a pair of MTU 1600hp engines which will give estimated speeds of forty knots maximum and a cruise of 35 knots.. The second generation 58 Convertible will make her debut at the annual Viking Dealer Meeting and Sea Trial Event held in mid September and after that will be a World premiere at the 2018 Fort Lauderdale which opens at the end of October.

August 13, 2018

New Model: Riviera 39 Sports Motor Yacht

Australia's Riviera showcased the World Premiere of its new Riviera 39 Sports Motor Yacht at the Sydney International Boat Show on Thursday, 2 August 2018. The 39 Sports Motor Yacht includes multiple entertainer spaces, a light and spacious saloon, open cockpit and extended flybridge that are emblematic of Riviera Sports Motor Yachts. The Riviera 39 Sports Motor Yacht is based on the same platform as the April 2018 launched 395 SUV, with the addition of a flybridge up top, and is also the third model to come in one year since the first Sports Motor Yacht model the 68 was launched.  The Riviera 39 Sports Motor Yacht will offer a five berth accommodation plan with a forward owners double berth forward, and a three berth cabin at midships.  The saloon will feature a C-shaped sofa dinette and an L-shaped galley to starboard.  Power will be from twin Volvo 435hp with IPS pod propulsion.     
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.27 m (43.6ft)
Hull Length - 12.06 m
Beam - 4.26 m
Draft - 1.2 m
Displacement - 12990 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 1500 l
Water Capacity - 390 l
Accommodation - five berths in two cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS600 forward looking dual propeller pod drives
Certification - ISO8666 for data

August 11, 2018

Project: Azimut Grande 32 Metri

Avant-garde is the keyword that unlocks the meaning of the Grande 32 Metri project, which offers yet another demonstration of Azimut design creativity and will make its world debut at the Cannes boat show in early September 2018. The main aim of all avant-garde movements is to stand out from classical art. This same mission, interpreted as the desire to express an innovative vision that breaks away from the past, underpins the new Azimut Grande 32 Metri, with exteriors by Stefano Righini and interiors by Achille Salvagni. The Azimut Grande 32 Metri is forward thinking in every sense, not least because of the multiple unprecedented solutions that establish its right to a prominent position in the world of super yachts, or the advanced naval platform that is packed with technology and combines Carbon Tech with a D2P hull or, finally, the pure design excellence that characterizes Salvagni’s outstandingly distinctive work.  Stefano Righini has crafted powerful exterior lines, with stylistic features that sweep towards the stern and trick the eye in a way that hides the important interior volumes offered by the boat. The spacious stern beach club, the lateral garage that can house a five meter tender and a three meter jet ski, the huge full-height glazed surfaces on both sides of the full-beam owner’s suite, and the personality-building vertical bow are the distinctive features Righini has given to the Grande 32 Metri, making it absolutely unique in its category. Inside, the sense of sophisticated softness continues to permeate the constituent features, maintaining a family feeling with the other two Grande units designed by Salvagni the 27 and the 35 metri. His approach continues to eschew pure decoration and focuses instead on spatial composition: fluid surfaces detach from the walls to form an independent system, using spatial elements that flow seamlessly while nevertheless establishing distinct volumes. The settings are at one and the same time welcoming, simple and sophisticated, playing on the harmonious balance of detail and function. The walls embrace and expand, like a succession of negatives and positives that fix and extend space. Polished dark wood surfaces alternate with extensive areas and sections of ceiling featuring light-colored wood varieties: everything is in the contrast.  The night zone consists of five double cabins. The large owner’s cabin on the main deck is flooded with natural light, while the other four cabins are on the lower deck, two with twin beds and two with doubles.  The entire superstructure is built using Carbon Tech and epoxy resin: the combined effect of these materials and the Displacement2Planning hull with double-chine with a wave-piercing bow delivers maximum consumption efficiency levels at both slow cruising speed and higher speeds, extending the yacht’s range.  The Azimut Grande 32 Metri will be powered by twin 2200hp MTU units driving the yacht to a top speed of 26 knots.

August 9, 2018

New Model: Bertram 61

Since Bertram started the Gavio ownership in 2015 the company first two models have been about reinventing the classic icons of the flying eagle, which made it legendary over the years and decades which has passed since 1960.  The first model to launch from Gavio was the 35 which paid homage to the legendary 31 sold in over a thousand units and also the first Bertram model to be produced when it all started in 1960.  Fast forward to 2018 and Gavio's Bertram second new 61 model is again inspired to the second most important icon in the flying eagle portfolio of legends, the early eighties and till end nineties produced 54.  Designed as the new 2016 launched 35 by Micheal Peters the new Bertram 61 started life as a 58 project, then it became a 60, and ultimately a 61.  The 61 is not just a new badge inspired 54 though, we see Bertram and Micheal Peters bring new cruiser elements to the genre and something which might make the competition have a thought or two.  Hull one of the Bertram 61 features a full wrap around wind screen which give very nice views from the living saloon area, an element which entertainers will like but usually sport-fishermen are not to keen on due to the structural integrity this will give over time.  The Bertram 61 also challenges again the genre below deck, with three guest cabins three heads accommodation layout which includes a full beam midships located owners stateroom.  With the 61 Bertram have a winning model and I see it being very successful in the more entertainment less sport fishing market, for the hardcore sport-fisherman I think the road ahead is longer, but also possible thanks to the Micheal Peters designed hull shape which automatically rates it high in the performance department.  What the Bertram 61 brings is a new option to buyers and a breath of fresh design solutions in the eighteen meter flybridge sportfish yacht, see full wrap around windscreen, and full beam owners cabin.  The others do not have these, the Bertram 61 has.
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.61 m (61.1ft)
Waterline Length - 16.3 m
Beam - 5.56 m
Draft - 1.11 m
Displacement - 41934 kg full load
Fuel Capacity - 6510 l
Water Capacity - 1059 l
Accommodation - six berths in three cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C32 1900hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Construction - infused glass-fiber with Vinilester resin, all solid glass bottom with Kevlar reinforcements in center-line,  strake and structural grid
Project - Micheal Peters

August 7, 2018

Project: Cranchi E26 Classic

Getting closer to its 150th anniversary Cranchi present the project for the E26 Classic, a small cruiser roundabout designed by Christian Grande. The bow that characterizes the E26 Classic profile transmits from the first glance a sporty character of the boat. The lines of the boat and the helm position promise sportiness while the feeling on board is enhanced by the distinctive and unique style of this model. The references to tradition are very strong, such as the teak used on the bow deck which recalls the classic heritage of wooden boats and acts as a visual counterpoint to the aft deck also covered in teak. There is certainly no shortage of innovative and functional solutions. Comfort is assured starting from the large aft sundeck that covers the engine compartment in which the bimini can be placed which can guarantee shade to the cockpit if necessary. The center dinette is served by an L-shaped settee that gives continuity to the stern sundeck, and two pivoting seats that are directed forwards while navigating and can turn to stern when moored. The E26 Classic has a wraparound windscreen that offers protection to the pilot and co-pilot. At the center of the windshield there is an access to the fore-deck. Under the fore-deck there is a small cabin and a toilet compartment to assure a comfortable stay on board throughout the day and night. The Cranchi E26 Classic will be powered by three engine choices from a single Volvo 300hp diesel, to 280hp and or 350hp gasoline option. Cranchi will also offer an outboard bow rider version of the same model titled E26 Rider. Both models will be officially unveiled in September during the Cannes boat show. 

August 5, 2018

New Model: Moonen 36m Martinque

Dutch yard Moonen launches the second model of the Caribbean series line with the 36-metre Martinque titled M/Y Brigadoon.   Moonen 36m Martinque follows the first Caribbean model the 29m Matica launched in 2016 and heralds an exciting new course as it takes a fresh approach to the signature Dutch builder aesthetic while leveraging on the yard’s history in terms of comfort and performance. Martinque was designed by René van der Velden for the exterior, with interior by Italian firm Nauta and naval architecture by Dutch Diana. As is the custom at Moonen, the owners have made her very much their own as they get ready to explore the world on a super yacht that can go anywhere thanks to its sophisticated and well-developed hull design.  Powered by twin Cats 1925hp Moonen 36m Martinique has a top speed of sixteen knots, she reached an extra knot to this in her first sea trials and at ten knots delivers a long range of 3900 nautical miles. Moonen 36m Martinique also features a remarkable amount of luxury space for her length thanks to a wide-body superstructure with the same beam as the hull. A good example of the benefits this offers is found in the large owners’ suite where having the windows directly on the outer range of the boat looking forward provides superb panoramic views.
Technical Data:
LOA - 36.3 m (119ft)
Waterline Length - 34 m
Beam - 8 m
Draft - 2.1 m
Displacement - 280 t
Fuel Capacity - 35000 l
Water Capacity - 8000 l
Accommodation - ten guest berths in five cabins, eight crew in four cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C32 Acert 1925hp
Propulsion - line shaft with Reintjes transmission and five bladed propellers
Speed - 16 knots max 14 knots cruise, 10 knots long range
Range - 3900 nm at 10 knots 
Hull Shape - round bilge displacement
Construction - high tensile streel for hull, aluminium for super structure
Project - Ren Van der Helden exterior, Nauta interior, Diana naval architecture
Certification - Lloyds MCA LY3

August 3, 2018

Project: Arcadia 23.80 meters Sherpa XL

When the multiple award-winning Sherpa was launched in 2016, it immediately revolutionised the market. With Sherpa XL, the Italian Arcadia evolves the concept onto a larger scale, further enhancing some of the design elements typical of the range and introducing new ones at the same time. Arcdia Sherpa XL is a 78-foot yacht that can offer the comfort and space you would expect in larger yachts. Its engineering is now almost complete and the on spec construction of the first unit has already begun, ready for its international debut at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival.  Sherpa XL is 23.80 metres long, six metres longer than its entry-level cousin. With a beam wider than 6.9 metres - more than some 90-footers, this yacht offers an incredible 220 square metres of interior and exterior living space which equals 25% more than other yachts in the same class. More room and greater comfort give owners more opportunities to enjoy a full-immersion experience with friends and family. The innovative design of Sherpa XL was developed by the Milan-based Hot Lab design studio, with the aim of preserving the characteristic Arcadia DNA.   The large external areas, a distinguishing feature of the Arcadia fleet are expanded more than ever. The aft cockpit is directly connected to the control panel by a short scenic sequence of steps, which gracefully interlock between the narrow topsides and the low volume that supports the sundeck. Forward is a large living area with elegant sofas and even a table that can seat up to ten people.  The narrow bulwarks surrounding the entire cockpit have openings that allow guests to enjoy the view and the closeness of the sea. The entire area is made even more comfortable by the lack of any visible handling equipment for launching the tender, which is stored just forward of the engine room and is launched through a side hatch, without bothering the guests.  On the upper deck, the generous sun-lounge with bar and pantry facilities extends the open-air philosophy still further. Unlike traditional fly deck arrangements with an exterior helm station, this area is dedicated entirely to guests. Direct contact with the sea and the surrounding environment can also be found in the sky-lounge and the up and down windows allow guests to enjoy the sea breeze directly by simply touching a button.  The interior design is contemporary and essential. Owners can choose among many options in terms of materials and finishes. Arcadia also offers the option of choosing furniture designed by a careful selection of the best Made-in-Italy design brands.  Different Owners have different needs, so Sherpa XL was designed with a four or three cabin layout. In the former, the galley is positioned in the sky lounge on the bridge deck, whereas in the three-cabin version it is in the lower deck. In both cases, great attention has been given to ensuring an efficient yet discreet on board service, by separating crew service areas from the areas reserved for guests.  The master suite is over 22 square metres in size and extends into the bathroom, with no partitions or division, which provides the Owner with an almost home-like layout - large, open and full of light. The VIP cabin in the bow follows the same principle, successfully broadening spatial perception in an almost theatrical manner.  Sherpa XL also shines in terms of performance. Powered by twin Volvo 900hp main engines with IPS pod drives, the yacht can reach a top speed of approximately 22 knots. Preliminary studies also estimate that at a long range speed of 10-12 knots, the semi-displacement hull will be more than 30-35% more efficient than other yachts in its class. It has great autonomy at 12 knots, with a range of over one thousand nautical miles, which rise to over 1,500 if the speed is kept at 10 knots. To minimise environmental impact with renewable energy sources, the 23 meter Sherpa XL is equipped with Arcadia’s trademark solar panels, which provide up to 2kW of clean electricity (sufficient to power all the on board systems except for the air conditioning). Additionally, the yacht is fitted with low-consumption appliances and led lights.

August 1, 2018

Will do more

End July beginning August is about cruising and what is happening at the peak of the Mediterranean season.  But this time around it is about showing the prowess of one particular boat builder, Princess and its 2018 calendar year.
For 2018 Princess is really pushing its muscles to new heights, pushed by record sales and presenting a total of eleven new models in one single calendar year.  It is unprecedented from a single boat brand to present eleven new models in one year, of which two the R35 and the X95 are totally new concepts and range.
Obviously Princess is feeling that in recent years it gained a lot of market traction in its favor, and with the economy and yacht market better to previous years it is important to keep the attention going into its windmill.  What better way to have more attention and interest from new and old customers then new models.