New Launch: Benetti 47 meter FB703

Benetti custom mega yacht FB703 M/Y “Bacchanal”, with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, was launched in a festive atmosphere on August 2 in Viareggio. At 47 meters in length and with a draught of 2.45 metres, FB703 has a gross tonnage of just under 500 tonnes.  Despite the international feel of the yacht’s style, influenced significantly by architect Mauricio Gómez de Tuddo who worked with the Benetti Interior Style Department on the décor, FB703 is permeated by unique furnishings “Made in Italy” by brands like Minotti and Paola Lenti, as well as by Giorgetti, Rimadesio, Poltrona Frau and Exteta. The design of the sleek, elegant exteriors is entirely the work of Benetti. The layout, designed to accommodate twelve guests and seven crew, is spread across four decks, on which both interiors and exteriors share the same uniform approach. This effort can be seen most clearly on the Main Deck, where the cockpit, dining area and main lounge are divided by full-width frame-less sliding glass doors, creating an airy in and out veranda space. The pleasurable sensation of being out in the open air and having more direct contact with the sea makes the spaces seem larger and fills them with natural light. This solution is enriched and enhanced by the choice of teak floors with black caulking in both indoor and outdoor areas.  The night area for guests, consisting of two VIP and two guest cabins, is on the Lower Deck, as are the crew quarters. The captain’s accommodation and a third VIP cabin are on the Upper Deck. The full-beam owner’s suite, entered through a private study, is in the bow section of the Main Deck. The custom pool on the Sun Deck is clad in mosaic by Sicis, representing the ultimate in elegance.  Benetti FB703 is equipped with a sonar system to increase on board safety, allowing to identify bodies in the sea and providing information about any obstacles up to and over 500 meters from the yacht.  FB703 is powered by two MTU 1448hp engines and cruises at a speed of 14 knots, with a range of 4000 nautical miles at ten knots, allowing it to make transatlantic crossings.

Technical Data:

LOA - 47.3 m (155.1ft)

Beam - 9 m

Draft - 2.3 m

Displacement - 436 t full load

Fuel Capacity - 65340 l

Water Capacity - 12200 l

Accommodation - twelve guests in six cabins, seven crew in five cabins

Engines - 2 x MTU 12V2000M72 1448hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 15 knots max 14 knots cruise 10 knots long range

Range - 4000 nm at 10 knots

Construction - steel hull aluminium super structure

Project - Benetti exterior, P.L.A.N.A. naval architecture, Mauricio Gomez de Tuddo interior 

Certification - RINA 

www.benettiyachts.it

Project: Astondoa 82 Flybridge

Astondoa present the project for a new 82 Flybridge model, a new pocket super yacht set to replace the current 80.  The 82 Flybridge is set to be released in 2020. With a cutting-edge design from bow to stern, the Astondoa 82 Flybridge features a length over all of twenty-five metres and a beam of six metres, is distinguished by her large side windows and an innovative styling of the main deck.  The lower deck is home to the versatile owner’s stateroom; with two possible layouts and three other cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms. Two crew cabins complete the night-time spaces of this yacht.

www.astondoa.com

New Model: Riva 14.92 mt Dolceriva

The Riva Dolceriva was the surprise novelty at this years 2019 Cannes boat show by the Ferretti Group.  This is day slash sport cruiser re-invented, with a unique sophisticated design born from the since early nineties Riva designers Officina Italiana Design, the studio of Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta.  That is over 25 years, of designing Riva, and Micheli and Berretta really have the pulse what the legendary brand and its unique sophistication mean.  The Dolceriva measures over fourteen meters and this is an open sport cruiser conceived to all intents and purposes to live life on board outside and inside in an absolute comfort, which aims to challenge the market with some unprecedented strengths. The exterior is spacious and an opening bathing platform doubles the beach area aft, while as center stage we have two sun-pads, an L-shaped dinette to port side, with a sofa and wet bar opposite, while forward we have a helm station and a companionway settee to port side.  Below is a lot of space for a single cabin forward with an L-shaped relaxing dinette and galley opposite. For the Dolceriva Micheli developed a new exterior pattern with a dividing space in between the shear line joining the hull window with the windscreen.  According to Ferretti Group we will see more of this in future Riva's and I really hope so as the design is actually unique giving a lot of equilibrium.  The Riva Dolveriva is powered by twin Volvo 800hp engines as standard with optional 1000hp units, and V-drive shaft line propulsion.

Technical Data:

LOA - 14.92 m (48.9ft)

Hull Length - 14.7 m

Waterline Length - 12.8 m

Beam - 4.26 m

Draft - 1.48 m

Displacement - 21400 kg light, 24500 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 1800 l

Water Capacity - 310 l

Accommodation - two berths in one cabin, plus two in convertible dinette

Engines - 2 x Volvo D13 800hp, D13 1000hp

Propulsion - V-drive line shaft

Speed - 35 knots max and 27 knots cruise with Volvo 800hp

Range - 230 nm at cruise

Project - Officina Italian Design of Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, Ferretti Group Engineering

www.riva-yacht.com

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