September 2, 2019

Project: Sunreef Power 70

After introducing the new generation 80 Sunreef Power, the Polish catamaran specialist adds another model to its power yacht range. Following the design guidelines of the 80, Sunreef introduces a new 70 Power project. This Power Catamaran yacht will blend generous living spaces, powerful propulsion and extreme seaworthiness for long cruises in ultimate comfort. The yachts dynamic hull and superstructure design stretch the living spaces to the maximum, offering infinite options for a bespoke layout and decor.  The Sunreef Power 70 replaces the long standing 70/75 model which has been a breath of fresh air in the industry for its customization and available options; inside, and in its hull shape, propulsion.

September 1, 2019

Out-News is Back with a Change

So in July, PowerYacht refreshed the Out-News section.  The original idea of Out-News was to put more basis to marina talking.  Problems from manufacturers which happen during construction and show during the first uses of the boat, an engine, and or propulsion.  Unfortunately this was hard to come by, while manufacturers mishap do still happen, possibly even more nowadays then yesterday, finding the proof and evidence is another matter.  Especially when a guarantee fix needs to come from those same manufacturers.  Meaning that posting photos on the internet usually does not help your cause.    
Now from July 2019 this has changed and Out-News has become the bringer of news.  And what a bringer it turned out to be with the month of July and August being particular hot in the happenings around the Mediterranean sea.  Couple of accidents happening every week I guess some even being more surprising to others.  
The top news was boats on fire most of which have been old units, but we had a couple sad surprises of news concerning very new craft.  One was the second hull of Dreamline DL30 sinking in its first cruise from Malta to Sardinia.  The accident according to reports was very unfortunate and has nothing to do with the construction of the vessel.  
Interesting to note that this was the second news in a year that a new construction goes total loss, after the Tecnomar Evo 120 caught fire in May at the builders shipyard in Massa Carrara during final fit out.  In past years we had similar accidents, I remember recently that of a  Lurrsen in September 2018, and a Benetti in July of 2018 both being super yachts in phase of construction.
So that is some more Out-News for you!

August 31, 2019

Ferretti Super Yacht in the Rocks

So I cannot say I know much about this accident involving a Ferretti 24 meter super yacht with titled m/y Aldenis and registered under Panamanian flag which crashed into a reef.  This photo appeared in my social media feed on Saturday 31 August, in early afternoon, and beyond that I do not know more.  This is the second accident of this type in 2019 after we had a Princess 23 meter which had a similar but worse damage in Sifnos, Aegean Greek Islands in early July.  By the picture I would say the Ferretti was going at slow displacement speeds.  The location appears Eastern med; Croatia, Greece, or Turkey.  If anyone knows more please advise by leaving a comment in this post section.
Produced from 2003 to 2005 the Ferretti 810 RPH, was a further development of the 80 RPH model with the main recognizable difference being the large window located at midships and serving the owners stateroom, and a bit larger extended bathing platform aft.  The 80 was a model born from the hull extension and updated super structure of the 225 Fly in 1997, Ferretti's flagship from 1993 up to 96.  All three models; 225, 80 and 810 where designed by Zuccon who did all Ferretti onwards from 1990 up to 2017, and the model was then replaced by the 830 in 2006.  The 810 RPH features a four double cabins lower deck layout, with two aft crew cabins for four persons. The RPH as in raised pilot house freed space in the main deck, making this area more spacious to the standard version. The Ferretti 810 RPH was powered by twin MTU 1550hp which gave top speeds of thirty knots and a fast cruise of 27.  Ferretti built ten 810 units, and four RPH versions, following 52 units of the 80 and 80 RPH units.

Regal Sport Cruiser Goes Ablaze in Knoxville

A twelve meter Regal sport cruiser titled m/y Chances R with five persons and a dog onboard, caught fire at 06:30 early morning time of Saturday 31 August, on the Tennessee River near Neyland Stadium, in Knoxville.  Knoxville Fire Department responded to the call, with all occupants managing to get off the sport cruiser unharmed, before the sport cruiser was wrecked down by the fire.  The occupants said that early in the morning they smelled smoke fire, which appeared coming off the boat's generator, seeing this they got off-board only for them to see her burn some minutes later.  Knoxville Fire Department later reported that the cause of the fire was indeed the generator.
The boat in this fire is a Regal 4160 Commodore, as produced from 2000 to 01.  The Regal 4160 offered a two cabins layout, and is powered by twin 450 or 480hp engines with a line shaft propulsion in propeller pockets.  The Regal 4160 Commodore came out as a replacement to the 1995 to 99 402 Commodore, and evolved into the 4260 Commodore with a forward looking radar arch and mini T-top in 2002.

Monthly News - August 2019

-pic of the month - Moonen Under New Ownership

Feadship Returns Home for Six Month Refit

Feadship has welcomed home the 57.60-metre superyacht W (ex-Larisa). Originally launched in 2013, she was recently acquired by new owners who have asked Feadship to carry out a refit that will encompass their personal preferences in terms of facilities, sleeping accommodations and exterior.  The first changes that Feadship spotters will instantly recognize when W is relaunched in six months’ time will be the new metallic silver colour of her previously white hull and the significantly larger Jacuzzi on the sun deck.  The interior will also have a new layout on the lower deck as the current VIP stateroom is converted into two guest suites, bringing the total number of cabins on that deck to four and offering superb accommodation for eight guests.


Gulf Craft Nomad Traversing Corinth Channel

As a part of the Nomad 75 SUV Dubai Moon's Mediterranean voyage, she traversed through the famous Corinth Canal in Greece that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. The canal is 6.4 kilometers in length and only 21.3 meters wide at its base, providing a tricky navigational challenge but Dubai Moon took all this in her stride. Having traveled all the way from Dubai under its own steam, this boat is a superb example of what the Nomad Yachts range stands for. Comfortable long range cruising, providing unforgettable experiences for family and friends.

Gulf Craft New Dealer in Saudi Arabia

Gulf Craft is pleased to announce the appointment of Samaco Marine as exclusive dealer for Oryx Sport Cruisers, Silvercraft range and Utility series in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The addition of Samaco Marine to the distribution network shows the strong commitment to the market by offering our products and services to the loyal Saudi clients.


Jarrett Bay Fender Bender Racks up Daily Billfish Wins

Jarrett Bay Hull 40, Fender Bender won Day 3 of the Billfish Daily Jackpot at the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournamentworth $41,475, along with second Place Daily Billfish worth a payout of over $17,000, also on Day 3 of the Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament.


Moonen Under New Ownership


Dutch superyacht builder Moonen Yachts in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, is under new ownership. An Australian couple, Matthew and Louise Baxter are the new owners of the shipyard. Matthew, of Scottish origin, is a successful Australian businessman and entrepreneur, who in 1972 established the A M Group, a privately owned worldwide group of manufacturing companies of which he is executive chairman.  Louise and Matthew first discovered Moonen Yachts whilst sailing on Pittwater harbour in Sydney where they came across the beautiful Moonen yacht, Aurora (Moonen 84). This lead to their involvement with Moonen, a mid-sized Dutch pedigree shipyard with a dedicated and highly skilled team.  In Matthew’s words “It is a privilege to own a yard like Moonen. The brand has an impeccable pedigree, the yachts are true Dutch quality and the team is young, reliable, talented, and very loyal to the company. These characteristics are fundamental for success. I realise that the yard has to re-energise, but we are well prepared with a strong strategic plan and a strong balance sheet, I see a promising future ahead.”  The shipyard is very honoured and excited with Mr & Mrs. Baxter as their new owners. “We have trust in these new investors and have faith that they will establish a strong future for Moonen Yachts” says Johan Dubbelman, Moonen’s CEO. The 30 to 50 meter market is solid for well-built designs, and our plans are to increase production. Currently we have one, award winning, 36-meter Martinique in build, she’s 50% ready. The focus is to have her on display at the Monaco Yacht Show 2020.  Our aim is to scale up production efficiently and start two new build projects in the upcoming 6 months. Following on with the current build we will start a second 36 metre and a 44 metre, both new and future proof timeless Moonen yachts with interiors designed by the award winning renowned design houses, like Studio Indigo. By building on speculation, delivery times will be shorter and customisation still possible, which is an absolute advantage for our future clients.”  The majority of the staff and workforce, which are very important to Moonen, have been reappointed and are enthusiastic to be part of this strong new leadership. To assure continuous high-end quality, Moonen Yachts will reinforce the cooperation with long-term strategic partners and subcontractors.


Monte Carlo Yachts Open Office in Port Montenegro

Monte Carlo Yachts is pleased to announce the opening of the first office in the yachting community of Porto Montenegro. Thanks to Dream Yachts and RR Yachts, MCY’ official dealers, the international presence of the brand will be enhanced in this first class premium marina.

Monte Carlo Yachts Special Event

The new MCY 76, MCY 70 and MCY 66 were noticed for the first time together in the breathtaking location of Costa Smeralda in Sardinia. Yacht Club Porto Rotondo hosted an exclusive event organized by official dealer Given for Yachting who introduced the new MCY models in the region.


Nordhavn Distance Pennants Awarded

Nordhavns are closing in on seven million miles traveled. That’s 281 times around Earth, and while Nordhavns are known for having more circumnavigations than all other brands put together, we’re not quite at 281. Yet. That impressive mileage total – 6,685,917 nm to be exact comes from 450 Nordhavns cranking out miles here, there and everywhere over the course of the past 30 years. That includes Nordhavn 46 hull #1, the first Nordhavn ever, built in 1989, which is still out there with its liveaboard owners.  This summer Nordhavn heard a lot of the owners, thanks to it's website re-design, many owners were prompted to sign in and log their travels. Since June, 13 Nordhavn owners have earned new mileage pennants, some earning their very first, and one long-time owner netting his 70,000 nm burgee. Impressive stuff, indeed!


Pearl Yachts New Partnership in Asia

Pearl Yachts announces a new partnership with the leading Asian yacht services and brokerage company, NextWave Yachting, who will now act as the British yard’s exclusive dealer in Hong Kong. The British shipyard Pearl Yachts are pleased to announce a new collaboration with NextWave Yachting the leading yacht services and brokerage company serving clients in Hong Kong. Following the signing of the new partnership in early July, NextWave Yachting will now act as the exclusive dealer of Pearl Yachts in this region.  Established in 2012, NextWave Yachting is dedicated to presenting the world of yachting to Hong Kong, promoting and developing a yachting culture while providing new and used yacht sales, luxury water toy sales, charter, yacht management and yacht maintenance services.  With the ever-increasing importance of development into the still relatively untapped Asian yacht market, this recent collaboration aims to promote the Pearl Yachts brand to a new set of clientele and, most importantly, sell Pearl Yachts models in the Asian market.  Pearl Yachts Managing Director, Iain Smallridge, comments: “The whole team at Pearl Yachts is excited about our new partnership with NextWave Yachting. The Asian market is a world of opportunity for yachting, and particularly for high-quality superyachts such as the yachts in our fleet. With this new partnership, we aim to grow and develop our presence throughout Asia. NextWave Yachting and their experienced team of yachting professionals are perfectly attuned to the Asian yachting market, and we can think of no better representative in Hong Kong, for the Pearl Yachts brand.”  “Value, quality and integrity are what NextWave is all about,” states NextWave Sales Director, Howard Chen. “Our dedication to fulfilling commitments and seeking the best value for our customers is the soul of our business, and that’s why we are excited to partner with Pearl Yachts. We do not just sell boats and related products. We represent a passion in the ocean - and Pearl Yachts is absolutely synonymous with just that.”

Pearl Yachts Order Book Record

2019 is proving to be a prolific year for the British shipyard. Several confirmed sales over the past six months total more than £10 million worth of new yachts on order, the largest order book since Pearl Yachts' inception in 1998.  Pearl Yachts Managing Director, Iain Smallridge comments: "2019 is proving to be our best year since we opened our doors over two decades ago. We're delighted with our current order book and the sale of another Pearl 95 superyacht, we would like to thank the team at Baxter Marine for bringing the latest Pearl Yacht owner into the family."  Construction on Pearl 95 hull # three has already begun, with delivery scheduled for Mid 2020.


Riviera Pays Tribute to the Team

Australia’s premium luxury motor yacht builder Riviera has hosted an appreciation lunch for more than 600 team members following the significant achievements of two Australian boat shows where more than 30 new Riviera motor yachts were purchased.  The outstanding result from the Sanctuary Cove and recent Sydney International Boat Shows, where Riviera had the largest display of new motor yachts at both shows, saw new and experienced boaters from Australia and New Zealand purchase models across the comprehensive Riviera five-model individual ranges from the 395 SUV to the 72 Sports Motor Yacht.  The company’s latest models including the inspired new Platinum Edition Sport Yachts were instantly embraced, with multiple orders for each of the three models – 6000, 5400 and new 4800 Series II - while fellow premieres – the 54 Enclosed Flybridge and 545 SUV – also captivated buyers.  Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst said the great acceptance of Riviera motor yachts at these two recent shows was a true credit to the hundreds of highly-skilled men and women who take so much pride in creating beautiful boats for its owners supported with exceptional care and service.  These recent boat show purchases are in addition to the more than 70 motor yachts the company has delivered so far this year.  “I am constantly asked the secret of Riviera’s success and I believe it’s the culture of care we have in our team,” he said.  “Whether a team member works in the lamination or timber departments, administration or design, they have a collective desire to perform at the highest level every day and work together to create something very special.  “World-class quality and attention to detail is what Riviera is renowned for and it continues well after the launching of our boats when we ensure our owners receive ongoing care and boating education and enjoy exclusive and wonderful experiences on the water with fellow Riviera owners.  “We don’t normally announce publicly any of our results, however, I wanted to share our achievements at the Sanctuary Cove and Sydney International Boat Shows with our entire team as they all deserve applause for the role they have played in delivering outstanding yachts and customer care.”  With Riviera’s models ranging from just under $1 million to more than $5 million, the two boat shows saw collective purchases valued in the tens of millions of dollars and attracted buyers from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia and New Zealand.  Riviera also announced the production of two future models at the shows - the new-dimension 505 SUV and highly acclaimed Sports Motor Yacht in a striking new 64-foot design - with both receiving immediate orders ahead of their 2020 premieres.  Renowned for the enthusiasm and passion of its boat owners, Riviera welcomed more 1100 members of ‘The Riviera Family’ to spectacular VIP gala celebrations at both its Sanctuary Cove and award-winning Sydney displays.  “When you purchase a new Riviera motor yacht, you are investing in so much more,” Mr Longhurst said. “It becomes a way of life that is so unique and rewarding, which was so evident by the number of owners who joined us on the Gold Coast and in Sydney.  “While boat shows are a chance for us to showcase our latest creations, they are always an opportunity to celebrate ‘The Riviera Family’ and thank our boat owners for their great commitment and loyalty.  “With further Riviera displays appearing at boat shows in Cannes, Newport Rhode Island, Norwalk in Connecticut, Perth, Auckland, Barcelona, United States Power Boat Show in Annapolis and Fort Lauderdale in coming weeks, we look forward to catching up with more of our almost 5,600 owners from around the world.”

Riviera Awards Excellence

Australia’s premium luxury motor yacht builder Riviera has recognised the incredible efforts of its R Marine network – the largest luxury motor yacht group in Australia and New Zealand.  The 2019 Riviera Australian and New Zealand Dealer Awards saw R Marine dealerships across three states and two countries honoured for their outstanding commitment to excellence in service and sales.  Victoria’s R Marine Jacksons were recognised twice in the 2019 awards with the prestigious Dealership of the Year and Service Excellence by a Dealership – while New Zealand’s R Marine Flagship was recognised with the Sales Excellence by a Dealership award.  In individual honours, Travis Edney from Gold Coast-based R Marine Crawley won the Service Excellence by an Individual award and R Marine Sydney’s Simon Don received the Sales Excellence by an Individual.  Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst said the award recipients embodied the outstanding service and expertise found across the R Marine network, which exclusively represents the region’s market leader in luxury motor yachts, Riviera and Belize throughout Australia and New Zealand.  “Riviera has a proud 39-year heritage of refining what is today one the world’s leading luxury motor yachts and the specialists at all R Marine dealerships ensure our new boat owners receive the outstanding customer service and ongoing technical care they deserve,” he said.  “With customer feedback a crucial criterium in many of the awards, it’s a credit to the recipients that they have been recognised by the most important judges we have when it comes to quality and service – our boat owners.  “Across the R Marine network, a team of more than 50 field service staff, a fleet of more than 30 mobile service vehicles and a combined 650 years of Riviera knowledge supports our owners daily.  “In addition, our leading network offers our owners more than 80 individual boating, educational and fun-filled social events each year in Australia and New Zealand – empowering a greater understanding and enjoyment of boating whilst enhancing the unique essence of the Riviera family of boat owners."  “The men and women who make up our R Marine dealer network are the ultimate marine professionals.”


Viking at Mid Atlantic

With a record $3.5 million up for grabs, competition is fierce at this year's MA. Anxious crews fishing out of Cape May, New Jersey, and Ocean City, Maryland, have been racking up releases and keeping the weigh station staff running. Captain Blaine Champlain backed Marty Judge's Viking 64 Judge to the scales and hung a 68-pounder for angler Bobby Ogden. As of this writing, that fish is the 2nd-heaviest white marlin of the tournament. Michael Rothman's Viking 92 Double Barrel is in 4th place with a 67-pound fish, and Joe Rahman's Viking 80 Auspicious rounds it out in 5th place with a 65-pound white.  A fleet of Vikings have been sitting pretty on the leaderboards amongst the 156 battlewagons looking for the big one. Some of those include the 45 Chain Reaction,Viking 48s Random Chaos and Fish On, the 50 Boy's Toy, the 52 Marlin Hunter, the 58 JT, Viking 62s Reel Toy, Intents and Big Oil, the 66 Torta, Viking 70s Mjolnirand Goin' In Deep, the Viking 72, along with Viking 80s Catch 23 and Amarula Sun. Today is the final day of fishing - good luck out there!

Viking at Lone Star Shootout

Once again, congratulations are in order for Jon Gonsoulin and his team on the Viking 70 Done Deal. Captain Jason Buck led the team to some fishy water to take both the overall tournament championship title and the top billfish release boat with a pair of blue marlin and another pair of whites.  Second place overall and 2nd place billfish release went to Mike Altman's Viking 50 Pandemonium crew. Captain Randal Gaines put his team on a blue marlin, five whites and a sailfish. Mike also claimed top angler.  Angler Lee Weidner wrangled the heaviest marlin at 514.5 pounds on Bimini Babe, Babe Appling's Viking 74. Top female angler was awarded to Julie Coulter on the Viking 55 Deez Nautz while Sam Moore, Jr. fishing on the Viking 52 Decarb was the top junior angler.  The Lone Star Shoot Out, fished out of Port O'Connor, Texas, hosted a fleet of 53 boats and raised almost $50,000 for the Houston Big Game Fishing Club.

Viking at Stone Harbor Billfish Tournament

This all-release event found solid action with 26 boats racking up an impressive 143 billfish releases over two days. The Viking 62 Polarizer, led by George Robinson of South Jersey Yacht Sales, took 1st place boat with 14 white marlin releases.  Polarizer angler Kurt von Seekam claimed 1st place IGFA angler while Captain Bill Davis received the Walt Hendee Captain's Award. Pictured above left to right, Captain Bill Davis, Jace Alzheimer, Greg Robinson, George Robinson, Jamie Diller, Erik Mateer and Kurt von Seekamm. Not pictured Matt Schad of Valhalla Yacht Sales.  Rachel Linus, fishing Bob Barbaro's Viking 55 Badger, was the top angler and top lady for her blue marlin and five whites. Second place angler was awarded to Joe Albano aboard Dave Anderson's Viking 72 Krazy Salt's. The Canyon Club Resort Marina via the Cape May Inlet was the perfect spot to get in on the bite at the Middle and Northern Canyons.

Viking at White Marlin Open

With over 400 boats and $6 million up for grabs, this year's five-day WMO was a nail-biter. When the scale settled, Craig Dickerson sat at the top of the leader board with the Heaviest Blue Marlin. Fishing on the Viking 58 Haulin N Ballin, Craig's fish weighed in at 465.5 pounds and was worth almost $1 million. Ronnie Fields, fishing on the Viking 70 Mjolnir, had the 3rd Place Tuna at 145.5 pounds while 4th Place went to Mike Di Pascali on the Viking 62 The Right Place. Rich Kostzyu, aboard the Viking 60 Hubris, claimed 6th Place. Hubris also weighed in the 3rd Place Wahoo. A 39-pound dolphin, caught by Frank Sinito on the Viking 62 Irene, took 2nd Place in that division and Viking 72 angler Ryan Higgins' dolphin claimed 5th Place. The buzz of the week was the 277.5-pound mako caught on day 1 by Greg Robinson. Greg, fishing on the Viking 62 Polarizer, held onto the Big Fish pool all week and received a hefty check for his catch.

August 30, 2019

New Model: Viking 44 SC

Creating a model within a platform has been a successful path for Viking in it's smaller sub fifteen meters models, and this is continued in the 44 series already available as Convertible and Open models, which share the same hull with uniquely different deck and interior arrangements. The popularity of the 44 has encouraged Viking to expand the range with striking profiles and special features that showcase the New Jersey builder ability to broaden the appeal of this versatile hull.  Using its five-axis profile machine 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 a roof overhang. Built into finely tool hardtop is a pair of easily accessed rod stowage compartments.  The Viking 44 Sport Coupe has a distinctive New England or Great Lakes flavor for cruising efficacy and includes a choice of a custom fiberglass mast for the radar and other antennas, or a customized radar arch. In the eleven squared meter cockpit, the 44 SC sports the familiar starboard mezzanine seating arrangement of the popular 44 Open. Engine room access is provided with a convenient center line hatch that’s integral with the mezzanine seating. The SC has been engineered for the installation of a Seakeeper gyro stabilizer, which brings great stability to the sport cruiser to increase overall comfort.  The command deck includes our signature and tournament-proven center-line forward helm station on a raised platform for enhanced visibility. The console holds a bank of electronics displays, and has space for engine instrumentation and other accessories. Recessed compartments accommodate radios and additional equipment, plus accessory switches and controls.  A sliding companionway door and a large set of stairs with a starboard-side vertical handrail lead to the climate-controlled salon. With its five meter short beam, the widest of any boat in this class, the salon is a spacious social area for relaxing and entertaining. The starboard-side galley, which sits opposite an L-shaped lounge with a dinette table, includes teak cabinetry with meticulous joinery and fit and finish, expansive Corian counter tops, an electric range, separate under-counter refrigerator and freezer units and a microwave/convection oven. Other notable amenities include a stereo system with a flat screen HD TV.  In the forward master stateroom, the island queen bed with mattress has a lift-up top with gas pistons and maple-lined storage underneath. There's also a maple-lined hanging locker. Air conditioning, a 19-inch flat screen television and access to the head and shower round out the standard amenities.  The head has custom Amtico flooring, a one-piece molded Corian countertop with rounded edges and a sink with a satin nickel faucet. With its two-person berth, the aft guest stateroom can accommodate another couple and makes for a nice hideaway for the kids.  Twin Man 800hp diesels serve as the standard propulsion package. The engine-room, lazarette, forward bilge and anchor locker are all painted with Snow White Awlgrip for maximum visibility and easier maintenance. A Delta-T engine-room ventilation system, an oil exchange system and an Onan 13.5 kW E-QD Series generator are just some of the standard mechanical and electrical equipment.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.74 m (45.1ft)
Beam - 4.98 m
Draft - 1.35 m
Displacement - 22679 kg
Fuel Capacity - 3093 l
Water Capacity - 454 l
Accommodation - four berths in two cabins
Engines - 2 x Man i6 800hp
Propulsion - line shaft

August 29, 2019

Project: Van Den Hoven Voyager 61

Van den Hoven from the Netherlands has unveiled the dynamic design for an all new Voyager 61 flybridge motoryacht, a result of years of research and design and client consultation.  Construction has started on the first of these spacious all-aluminium fast-displacement yachts that will allow owners to cover distances in good time and exceptional comfort. With more people looking to enjoy a areas such as the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and beyond, Van den Hoven decided to branch out and create a fast yacht in aluminium, developed with one of the leading Dutch designers in this field, Rene van der Velden for exterior and interior, and hull shape by Fred Dorresteijn.  Der Helden has successfully retained the characteristic Van den Hoven lines while drawing an exciting motor yacht. Recognizing that owners will spend a lot of time outdoors as they explore new grounds, the Voyager 61 makes excellent use of the available al fresco spaces. A large flybridge comfortably accommodates eight people who will enjoy the pleasures of the outside galley and the sun loungers. The foredeck also features large sun beds while the aft deck is a pleasant spot for shaded relaxation in the open air. The overall goal of the interior design was to achieve the finest possible blend of space, lightness and transparency, offering a very comfortable living space. A large open galley on the main deck is connected to the lounge and dining room, with one flowing piece of furniture bringing simplicity to the layout while generating a lot of space in optical terms. In a similar vein, the lower deck uses glass walls and doors in the bathrooms to create a unified space. Meanwhile, the extensive use of glass as part of the superstructure further complement the light and airy ambiance on the Voyager 61. The views are excellent too. The last piece of the jigsaw for the Voyager 61 was to create a hull that synthesizes comfort, speed and low fuel consumption. This has been successfully achieved by teaming up with award-winning Dutch naval architect Fred Dorresteijn. The hull has the smallest possible stern surface thanks to an ascending keel line from forward to aft, minimizing resistance and swell when going slower than hull speed.  Speed estimates are for 21 knots from only twin Volvo 725hp and weight of over 42 tones.  Thanks to serious interest noted and based on the many remarks, observations and wishes Van Den Hoven is planning to expand the series with a 70 and a 79 feet Voyager models.  

August 28, 2019

John Erin Edson 1932 - 2019

Founder of Bayliner John Orin Edson, a dreamer and a powerhouse in the recreational marine industry, died on August 27, at age 87. From founding Bayliner to owning super yachts and investing in Westport Shipyards, he had an extraordinary, long-lasting, impact on yachting. Born in 1932, Edson was a boating entrepreneur, from an early age. He grew up boating with his family on Lake Washington in Seattle. When he was just 13, he built his first boat with money from his paper route. He then turned to boat racing on Lake Washington in his teens. The Korean War, where he served in the U.S. Army, interrupted his college years. The lack of a formal degree did not dissuade him upon his return, however. In fact, Edson began building wooden sailboats in the garage of his Washington State home when he came back. Together with his brother Walt, he began selling them in an open lot in Seattle in 1955. Wood-hulled motorboats soon followed. The first year’s success allowed them to start selling other brands, too, in just their second year. Advance Outboard Marine, their dealership, exceeded the $1-million sales mark in 1960. With business booming, and more locations opening, Edson rebranded the company Bayliner Boats. It’s no exaggeration to say that Bayliner revolutionized boat buying. Edson believed a Bayliner should be a reliable, affordable boat for any family. Furthermore, he introduced the Total Value Package, offering a Bayliner boat, motor, and trailer for one price. Before this, each item sold separately. For perspective, consider that in 1982, a Bayliner 1600 Capri, with an outboard and trailer, cost just $6,295. By the time Edson sold Bayliner to Brunswick Corporation in 1986, the brand was worth $425 million. Edson was not yet done with boating and in 1993, he took delivery of Evviva, a 161-foot custom super yacht from Admiral Marine Works. Notably, she was an all-composite super yacht, in an era where naysayers said the material was unsuitable for such a large project. Evivva went on to prove them wrong, winning multiple awards. The yacht still cruises today, as Aurora A.  Evivva also served as a prototype for the Westport 164 series.  Edson became the owner of hull number two in the Westport 164 series in 2006, nine years after becoming the shipyard’s majority shareholder. Naturally, he christened the yacht Evivva, loosely meaning “cheers” or “to life” in Italian.  Edson and his family cruised the world aboard each yacht. In 2014 Edsoin sold his interest in Westport to the Chouest family, selling Evivva the following year.  A noted philanthropist, Edson established the J. Orin Edson Foundation, which supports educational and healthcare causes. He and his wife Charlene donated $50 million to Arizona State University earlier this year. The funds were earmarked for research and education on dementia.  Edson leaves behind his wife Charlene, two sons Jack and Mark, and grandsons John, Alex, Coral, and Mark.

New Model: Dutch Craft 56

Dutch Craft is a new brand founded by Zeelander, who present with this 56 its first model.  The Dutch Craft 56 is versatility made into a yacht, and you can add utilities in the name as in plural for the various task this sport yacht is able to do.  Available in Cabin or Open version, all this centering around the main deck.  In open version the main  deck is open as pictured above, while in cabin this will be enclosed making it a fully glassed but cozy deck space.  The Dutch Craft 56 offers a three cabins lower deck interior with an owners cabin forward, a twin guest berth to starboard, and a single berth to port side.  A crew cabin is located aft in between the cabin area and the engine room.  The Dutch Craft is standard powered with Volvo 435hp engines and IPS pod drives.  Options exist for larger 725hp Volvo engines, and John Deere 1300hp with Jet drives.  The versatility of the Dutch Craft 56 is also seen in the option to upgrade fuel capacity from the standard three thousand liters to 4500, this increasing range by another 250 nautical miles and up to 750 nautical miles with a fast cruise of about 25 knots. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.07 m (56ft)
Waterline Length - 15 m
Beam - 5.13 m
Draft - 0.95 m exl props and drives, 1.10 m with IPS pod drives
Displacement - 17 t unloaded
Fuel Capacity - 3000 l, or 4500 l long range option
Water Capacity - 850 l
Accommodation - five berths in three cabins, one crew cabin berth
Max Persons - 36 CE C, 12 persons in CE A 
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 435hp, D11 725hp, John Deere 13.5l 1300hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pod drives, optional Doen DJ152 jet drives 
Speed - 40 knots max, 25 knots cruise
Range - 500 nm at 25 knots, 750 nm in long range version
Construction - Vinilester resin applied infusion method and sandwich PVC core
Project - Mulder for naval architecture, Dutch Craft
Certification - CE A/B, UCSG and ECB, IACS

August 27, 2019

Project: Sessa FX5

Sessa present this project, code named FX5 to what so far seems to be a project dedicated for the Brazilian market, and requested by the South American dealership. Is not this a lost occasion to what really looks a World boat, and a replacement to the long standing Fly 54 updated recently but produced since 2009. Designed by Davide Cipriani design firm and the Lombardy boat builder, the pair with the FX5 have designed a model created to satisfy the specific needs of a growing Brazilian American market, the main characteristics of this new flybridge yacht fitted with Volvo Penta engines are maximum live-ability and comfort, natural light and open spaces created for a convivial lifestyle.  Beauty, attention to detail, style and cutting-edge technology are the key drivers of this project, which should launch in around 2020. Designed specifically with Brazilians in mind, the layout features three cabins plus the crew cabin, sleeping a total of seven. The day zone is dominated by a vast living room with huge windows that offer some striking views. The coatings and finishes are those typically found on Sessa yachts, with their reputation for quality. The excellent distribution of space on board is designed to offer maximum comfort and unparalleled opportunities to socialize: the living room, for example, has enough sofas and armchairs to seat twelve people, while the Flybridge with its carbon fiber T-Top is furnished as an open air living room, offering an L-shaped sofa, a low table, a cabinet, a sink and a grill or, optionally, a cooking top, as well as a solarium area around the helm station. The exterior spaces are both spacious and welcoming, reflecting how Brazilian owners typically use their boats, with various cooking units and classic sun lounging areas allowing the outdoor areas to be exploited to the full throughout the day. The main materials used for the interiors are nubuck, mirrored surfaces, lacquer and a mixture of grey oak wood varieties.  The engines will be two Volvo with IPS pod drive propulsion with a possiblity to fit the FX5 also hybrid engine currently being in the works.