Fabio Buzzi 1943 - 2019

Fabio Buzzi tragically left for the better World on September seventeenth 2019 at around 2100 hours in a Montecarlo Venice record breaking attempt which ended in tragedy in the final moments.  Records which Fabio Buzzi made so many times his in the years all over the World.  Fabio was a firm believer of application of his design theories with the real test being that of competition, which he was very much involved since 1960.  A unique trait of the genius that was Fabio Buzzi was not only involved in hull design but also in his expertise in diesel engines which he revolutionized in the eighties with Seatek, and also in that of propulsion with the Trimax surface-drives.  Buzzi was born in Lecco, Italy in 28 January 1943 to a family tied for centuries in building and design.  Buzzi started his involvement in powerboat racing in 1960, in 1971 he graduated from the Polytechnic of Turin in mechanical engineering with a thesis of self construct vessel, and in the same year FB Design is founded.  In 1974 he build his first powerboat a three pointed hydroplane called Mostro, first ever build boat with Kevlar 49 and with it will set at the time a World speed record for the S4 class at 95.39 knots. FB Design first specialization is high performance vessels, and later over the years enters the area of building specialized fast patrol craft for military and maritime control.  In 1986 with Carlo Bonomi, Fabio Buzzi founds SeaTek, specialized in high performance diesel engines.  Fabio Buzzi will collaborate over the years with many yards in designing hulls, most of which coming from his native country Italy.  His most known and famous boat building collaboration was with Milan fast sport cruiser and yacht builder Cigala and Bertinetti in the eighties, off which with them he will produce various legendary models most of which the famous Nitro 50, which was baptized as Cesa 1882 in the Class One offshore, and recently reborn as FPT red.  Cesa 1882 won two World Championships in 1988 and 89, and was unstoppable in racing when the sea got choppy and rough and the design over the years evolved into the Kerakoll, and then in the Metamarine/Tommy One, both taking top honors in the Enrdurance Powerboat World champions.  Other builders which saw Buzzi collaborate where Off Course, Tecnomar in the eighties, Novamarine for the high performance rib cruisers and yachts line, Alfamarine with the 43 and 50 models, and Otam which has the 80 HT and 2019 launched 85 GTS model based on his 2001 FB Design 80 Record hull.  That 80 Record which did the Montecarlo to London record.  Buzzi also collaborated with Sunseeker twice selling to the British company the design of the XS 2000 and the 2019 launched 38 Superhawk, this later being his recent 38 Stab with more refined finishes.  Fabio Buzzi has over the years conquered over 26 titles and records.  His designs have captured 52 World Offshore titles, 22 European Offshore titles, 27 Italian Championships, forty World speed records, and won seven Harmsworth Trophies.

Montecarlo Venice Record Attempt Ends in Tragedy

A record attempt between Monte Carlo and Venice ended in tragedy the evening of seventeenth September at about 2100, just some minutes away from concluding the feat.  The fast powerboat of around twenty meter in length finished against the San Nicoletto breakwater, in the locality of Lunata in the Venice Lagoon.  The San Nicoletto breakwater is a protection barrier for the Mose, a mobile gate aimed in protecting Venice when the high tide of the Northern Adriatic occurs.  News are reporting that the twenty meter fast powerboat crashed on the breakwater at a speed of eighty knots, and with the impact ended on the other side of the breakwater.  Departing from Montecarlo on Monday at 1100 hours, the record attempt at this stage was nearly completed with only minutes away from success.  The timing of the feat at this stage, and excluding the pit stop was at 18 hours thirty minutes. Three pilots; offshore legend Fabio Buzzi, Luca Nicolini, and the Dutch Eric Hoorn lost there lives.  In grievous condition also other popular offshore name Mario Invernizzi, who is reported as at today in stable conditions.

Fabio Buzzi was piloting most possibly one of his FB Sixty fast boats which had top speed capability up to seventy knots in full load condition.  We still do not have details of the craft Fabio Buzzi was using for this Montecarlo Venice new record breaking attempt, which he made his many times, over the years.  Buzzi most recent record of the challenge came in twelfth July 2016 with a twin 1600hp MTU powered FB 60, who did the course in 22 hours 5 minutes and 42 seconds with an average speed of 52.3 knots.         

Projects: Fairline Targa 50 GT, Fairline Targa 50 Open

Fairline presents the projects for new Targa 50 GT and Open versions.  These projects are not entirely new based on the current 48 versions launched in 2013, and being one of the most recent successes of the British brand.  The 50's apart minor stylistical changes will feature 44 centimeters of extra length in the bathing platform. The new exterior styling features stunning anthracite vinyl wrapped hardtops. There is a bold choice of burnt orange, vivid red or electric blue exterior upholstery and complementing helm seats, creating a stand out impression as soon as you step onboard.  A signature Fairline Yachts feature bulkhead gives the master cabin added space and the interior has rich, luxurious textures throughout. These include New Zealand wool twist carpets, oak flooring, Carrara white marble worktops, Italian leather, highlights of satin bronze and carefully considered atmospheric lighting throughout. The fifteen meter Targa 50 sports yachts is powered by twin Volvo 440hp as standard, and or optional 480hp or 550hp, this last featuring a larger engine block.  All engines run on  IPS propulsion, to a hull designed by JandJ from Slovenia.

www.fairline.com

New Model: Absolute 47 Fly

Absolute new 47 Fly represents the getaway for the Italian brand, who since its inception in 2003 have seen its client and fan base featuring an interesting growth.  During the initial years of the brand the smallest model was the 25, and now today it is the 47, which is even larger then the flagship model of the beginnings which was the 45.  This new 47 Fly replaces the 45 and although part of the Flybridge range from Absolute is an interesting cross model, as it takes in looks and ideas a few features from the Navetta range.  The three double cabins two bathrooms lower deck layout for example is similar to that of the Navetta 48, with the cross-layout of the owners stateroom forward having a lot of similarities, with the extra beam and length of the later offering that bit of extra space.  The 48 Navetta here features a difference having the choice of a crew cabin aft.  The 47 Fly as all recent Absolute features an astern galley layout, while the flybridge looks to be one of the largest in its size.  The Absolute 47 Fly looks bigger then it is thanks to a lot of vertical use of space.  The Absolute 47 Fly is powered by Volvo's new 480hp with twin IPS pod drives propulsion.

Technical Data:

LOA - 14.63 m (47.9ft)

Beam - 4.48 m

Fuel Capacity - 1600 l

Water Capacity - 530 l

Max Persons - 14

Accommodation - six berths in three cabins        

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 480hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS650 pod drives

Project - Absolute Research Lab

Certification - CE B

www.absoluteyachts.com

Project: Beneteau Gran Turismo 32

With the project of the Gran Turismo 32, Beneteau and Italian designer Andreani rethink the nine meter sport cruiser with some clever touches of space usage.  This a sport cruiser made to please boaters looking for an innovative no compromise use of space layout with huge rethinking going into the outside space.  For example outside the Gran Turismo 32, feels a sport cruiser but when you start moving around it has the feel of a walk around with easy movement between the aft and fore deck, thanks to an asymmetrical layout, and an opening glass to starboard side which makes fore deck connection easy.  Below the Gran Turismo 32 feature a wal-nut finished interior sleeping four in a traditional two plus two layout; convertible dinette to V-berth forward, and a midships cabin.  Also it is important to point out to the spaciousness of the shower head located to starboard which features a separate shower cubicle.  But the surprises of the Beneteau Gran Turismo 32 does not stop here and beside the innovation of space usage outside, the success of this model might come from the fact that it is available in both inboards with stern drives, and or outboard powered engines.

www.beneteau.com

New Model: Princess Y85 Motor Yacht

Princess present the all-new Y85 Motor Yacht.  A pocket super yacht what is a triumph of contemporary design, featuring an elegant sweeping profile housing an interior sanctuary that resets the benchmark for modern living.  The Princess Y85 flybridge is an irresistible invitation to al-fresco entertainment with a large dining area opposite a well-equipped wet bar further complemented by a large aft sunpad.  An expansive single-level main deck provides ample entertaining space with a flexible galley arrangement. Three separate seating areas ensure the utmost privacy for guests with the crew able to move discretely around the yacht. Below deck, up to eight guests are accommodated across four beautifully appointed en suite cabins. Amidships, the full beam master suite is full of spacial design, whilst the en suite VIP cabin, forward, boasts a large double bed and walk-in-wardrobe. Furthermore, one double and one twin cabin, which can convert into a double complete her spacious accommodation. The Princess Y85 motor yacht is powered by twin Man 1900hp engines reaching top speeds up 33 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 26.2 m (86ft)

Hull Length - 25.7 m

Beam - 6.3 m

Draft - 1.86 m

Displacement - 66500 kg medium load

Fuel Capacity - 11000 l

Water Capacity - 1500 l

Accommodation - eight berths in four cabins, three four crew in two cabins

Engines - 2 x Man V12 1900hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 33 knots maximum

Project - Bernard Olesinski

www.princessyachts.com

Project: Dominator Ilumen 42m Tri Deck

Dominator apparently will announce the sale for the Ilumen 42m Tri Deck its new flagship in the upcoming Cannes 2019 boat show.  The Dominator Ilumen 42m Tri Deck continues the evolution of the now fully dedicated upwards of 24 meters super yacht builder, and come from a design of Alberto Mancini, the designer responsible for all the Ilumen range.  The Ilumen 42m Tri Deck is set to be delivered in 2020, and is a triple deck super yacht with a hard top sun deck, and fast semi displamcent hull with bulb.  The Ilumen range was introduced in 2014 and from a unique model in the line up, has since then taken over the Dominator range.  This is a bit of a pity as I think the Dominator range of high quality semi custom motor and super yachts from nineteen to 25 meters did have a special place in the market. 

www.dominatoryachts.com

New Model: Vanquish VQ58 Hardtop

Vanquish has launched the new VQ58 Hardtop, a sport yacht that expresses the Dutch builder philosophy of custom made to order build sport yachts. Two have already been delivered to Sag Harbor in the US and Estonia, three more are being built and a new order has been placed for 2020 delivery.  That makes a total of six VQ58 to be located somewhere near you in the the coming year.  The VQ58 is based on an observation that owners are looking for genuinely new and exciting designs, and the idea of every unit being made with customization in mind. VQ Yachts is known for speaking to visionaries, and a design language definitely not for everyone, and this new VQ 58 model is an excellent illustration of that fact.  Designed in partnership with Guido de Groot, the VQ58 has that distinctive VQ Yachts look and feel, and the trademark customization in terms of things like layout, structure and engines. It is available in an open version or with wheelhouse or T-top, and can be built with one or two garages at the stern and/or as a side bay, making it perfect for multiple toys and tenders. The standard top speed is around 38 knots, accelerating up to 50 in the Veloce configuration.

Technical Data:

LOA - 17.25 m (56.6ft)

Beam - 5.05 m

Draft - 0.9 m exl drives and or props

Fuel Capacity - 1500 l

Water Capacity - 400 l

Accommodation - four berths in two cabins, or two berths in one cabin

Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB 600hp, Volvo D11 725hp, Man 1200hp Veloce version

Propulsion - Zeus ZF aft looking dual propeller pod drives, Volvo IPS forward looking pod drives, or Anreson surface drives

Speed - 50 knots max with twin Man 1200hp and Arenson surface drives, 38 knots with Volvo 725hp

Project - Guido de Groot 

www.vanquish-yachts.com

Project: 3B Craft 31 HT

3B Craft from Italy presents the project for a 31 HT model.  The 31 HT shares hull with the 31 CC model, with a complete redesign to it's super structure transformed into a sport cruier with a three peace fully enclosed hard top design.  The 3B Craft 31 HT should perform extremely well, having a hull designed first for center console sport fisher, and second having a rare attribute in it's size of being propelled with line shafts.  This is a sport cruiser designed to cruise offshore, at an overall length of just over ten meters.  The 3B Craft 31 HT will feature an interior sleeping four in two cabins, forward owners cabin and a second cabin with two bunk berths.  Living will be all on the main deck, with C-shaped dinette and galley opposite layout.  The standard hard-top is open, though options exists to have the area closed with a patio door, or a vertical cover which gives the best of both worlds. The 3B Craft 31 HT is standard powered by twin VM 340hp, optional Volvo 370hp and or FPT 400hp, with line shaft propulsion.

www.3bcraftsrl.com

New Model: Viking 38 Open Billfish

With the addition of the 38 Open Billfish, Viking now offers two models under twelve meters with all the industry-leading construction, engineering and performance that has made the company the Number One builder in the world of semi-custom sportfish cruisers and yachts. As owner/operator vessels, these boats offer simplicity and ease of maintenance, serving as ready-to-go fishing machines equipped for inshore and offshore missions as well as versatile cruising boats with reliable inboard diesel power.  Havint a ten square meters cockpit, the 38 Open Billfish comes ready for battle with a laminated mounting plate in the deck for a fighting chair or a rocket launcher, a cockpit table is also offered. Other fishability features include in-deck insulated fish boxes port and starboard, a walk-through transom door and lift gate, a bait freezer with upper tray, a transom fish box and live well, rod holders, tackle storage and fresh and raw-water wash downs. Two-person mezzanine-style seats flank the center-line walk-through, and there’s refrigerated drink storage, as well as ample general storage throughout.  Available fully enclosed with climate control, the 38 Open Billfish’s command deck affords an abundance of seating, with port and starboard L-shaped lounges with storage below. A raised center-line command station gives the captain excellent sight lines and is equipped with a fiberglass, or optional teak helm pod, power-assist hydraulic steering with stainless steel wheel and Palm Beach style controls.  Viking’s Palm Beach Towers can outfit the 38 Open Billfish with a custom tuna tower with a second helm and a buggy top.  Below deck, the 38 Open Billfish makes full use of its four meters plus of beam to maximize comfort and utility. Hand-finished, high-gloss teak and Amtico flooring complement an elegant climate-controlled living environment. The private head, which is conveniently located immediately to port of the companionway stairs, has a large walk-in shower with satin nickel fixtures and an attractive Corian-topped vanity with sink and storage. Forward of the head and also on the port side, the galley is fully appointed, with a Corian countertop, two-burner electric stove, microwave/convection oven, cabinet storage and under-counter drawer-style refrigeration with built-in ice maker.  Rest up in the forward stateroom, which has a lower double bunk and an upper single. There’s also a starboard-side hanging locker. A starboard-side sofa with storage can also be used as an additional bunk.  As Viking continues to develop the Billfish series, our building methods and materials have gained efficiency, which adds even more value to these boats. A modified vinylester resin is used in the entire hull skin. End-grain balsa and closed-cell foam are used as coring materials in selected areas for optimized strength and stiffness while minimizing weight. The single integral fiberglass fuel tank, sealed to the hull with resin foam, is resin infused with balsa coring on all sides for stiffness. The hull-to-deck joint is mechanically fastened every three inches and fiber-glassed inside. For ease of maintenance, each engine and other critical machinery is located beneath electrically-actuated hatches in the command deck area. The Billfish Open is designed and built with many of the same mechanical systems, components and technologies found on larger Vikings. Examples include the Delta-T engine-room ventilation system and a fire suppression system that’s automatically or manually operated and tied into the main engine and generator ignitions.  Running gear includes Class “S” pitch tolerance propellers with dynamic balancing and bronze struts, sea-cocks and rudders. The engine-room, lazarette and forward bilges are painted with Snow White Awlgrip for increased visibility and ease of maintenance. A large center-line hatch gives you quick access to the engines. The Viking 38 Open Billfish is powered with twin Cummins 550hp.

Technical Data:

LOA - 11.79 m (38.8ft)

Beam - 4.27 m

Draft - 1.02 m

Displacement - 13813 kg loaded with standard fuel capacity

Fuel Capacity - 1741 l

Water Capacity - 261 l

Accommodation - three berths plus two in convertible saloon

Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB 6.7 550hp

Propulsion - line shaft

www.vikingyachts.com