Project: Fiart 52 Open

Fiart return to its roots and presents the 52 Open, a new version for the 52 which launched in 2017 as a fully enclosed with patio door coupe hard top model.  The main difference of the 52 Open will be that this will be a no hard top model, but Fiart also redesigned the cockpit with the double dinette; one inside and other outside, replaced by a large dinette and a chaise lounge to port side of the helm station.   For the below the 52 Open brings the features of the standard model as the three double cabins interior, with full beam midships owners stateroom.  The Fiart 52 is powered by twin Volvo 600hp with forward IPS pod drives.

www.fiart.com

Sea Ray Boat Fire on Tennessee River

A seven meter Sea Ray sport cruiser with two persons onboard went on fire in the Tennessee River, near Downtown Knoxville at about 15:30 hours of Sunday 21 June.  Knoxville Fire Department responded to the fire, saving the two persons onboard first, and then towing the boat to safety.  There were no injuries from the fire, and the causes of the blaze are under investigation.  The Sea Ray sport cruiser became a total wrecked loss from the fire as it fully burned down.

The Sea Ray boat in this fire looks to be a 230 Weekender model, as produced from 1985 up to 1988.  The Sea Ray 230 Weekender came out as a replacement to the 225 Express Cruiser, and was replaced by the 240 Sundancer in 1989.

Maiora New Web Site

Maiora from Italy updates its World wide web showroom to a new platform.  Located in what is known as the global Yacht building capital, in Viareggio Italy, Maiora was founded in 1971 a  model line name Intercantieri of Viareggio gives to its motor cruisers and yachts from eleven to 25 meters.  In 1988, Fipa which was founded in 1980 by still today owner Franceso Guidetti, acquired Intercantieri and the Maiora name.  Guildetti entered the boating business in 1970 building fibreglass hulls and parts for third parties.  Today Gruppo Fipa apart Maiora consists of three other brands; AB Yachts, CBI Navi, and Intermare, this last being a metal carpentry division.  All the Fipa brands are located in Italy, Tuscany in or close to Viareggio. Maiora had a lot of success in the nineties and early two thousand with the clean and modern design done in cooperating with Roberto del Re proving to be very successful, especially with the 1992 launched 20 model which was produced for over two decades and delivered in over eighty units with very minor changes. Today the Maiora range consists of eight models from a new upcoming 20 S model to a 46 Royale flagship, styled by Gruppo Fipa design department with Quartostile giving design consultations.  Quartostile took collaborative design duties with Maiora in 2016, taking over from Roberto del Re who assisted from the founding in 1971 up till 2015. The Maiora new web site is available in English and Italian language and takes you around with the following buttons; Company, Custom Concept, Yachts, Services, and Contacts.

www.maiora.it

Production History;

45 1975-78  Roberto del Re design/Intercantieri ownership

38 1875-78

53 1976-83

40 1979-83

50 1977-81

60 1980-85

53 S 1982-84 *53 project

Offshore 55 1986-89

57 1986-90

70 1986-90 *65 project 

85 1986-91

22 1991-92  Fipa ownership

23 1993-94

20 1993- (80) *includes S version

25 DP 1996-98 (2)

25 1997 (1)

31 DP 1998-2014 (18)

26 1998-2006 (11)

20 S 2000-15

24 2000-06 (6)

26 2001-12 (11)

28 DP 2001 (1)

29 DP 2001-06 (6)

24 S 2003-15 (12)

27 2004-14 (15)

43 2005 (1)

38 DP 2005-08

33 DP 2006-09 (5)

32 DP 2008 (1)

35 DP 2009-10

27 S 2010-13 (3)

29 Convertible 2012 (1) 

29 2012-16 (5)

33 FB 2016 (1)

36 FB 2017-

30 WA 2020- (4  Next Group ownership

35 Exuma 2020- (5

30 Convertible 2021-

Sport Cruiser Damaged in Malta Summer Storm

A cuddy cabin sport cruiser finished on the rocks in Malta in the North Western coast of the island an area called Bahar ic-Caghaq, snapping its swing mooring after strong North East winds reached the Mediterranean island on the early morning of twentieth June.   Swing mooring are popular in Malta during the Summer months, and all are made in protected bays, which are usually exposed to one or two winds which are not so frequent in Summer.  The particular area where this cuddy cruiser was located, is exposed to the North East winds which are not so frequent in Summer.

The above cuddy sport cruiser is a single engine with stern drive propulsion Bayliner with a size lenght of around six meters. 

Project: Horizon CC98

A loyal Horizon yacht owner has ordered his latest dream yacht, a special build from the Taiwan yacht builder Custom Collection, a CC98. This is fourth Horizon vessel for the experienced Australian owner, who requested specific and somewhat challenging details drawn from the best aspects of his previous vessels, including accommodations for a helicopter as well as a submarine.  An adventurous yachtsman who enjoys cruising to remote locations, the owner, having previously owned a CC80, an E84 and an E88, requested that his new yacht feature an exterior style similar to the Horizon E Series yachts. He also liked the interior space and natural light afforded by the FD Series and approached the yard with a request for a combination of both. Thus, this new CC98 will boast a unique exterior profile, with expansive windows and a spacious interior with seven meters beam.  To accommodate a touch-and-go helipad, the entire superstructure of this new vessel will be constructed of carbon fiber composite, which not only guarantees strength and structural integrity for the helipad but also considers hull performance and efficiency by significantly reducing the weight of the upper decks.  To accommodate either a submarine or a large inflatable up to seven meters of size on the deck, the enclosed sky lounge will be positioned forward an additional two meters. 4 tons and 1.5 ton lifting cranes will be incorporated to manage the launch and retrieval of such large pieces of equipment. This yacht also features a telescoping mast and radar arch to navigate the low bridges in Australia.  Within the spacious interior, guests will be accommodated in five staterooms including a full-beam, on-deck master suite. A large galley area is positioned aft on the main deck to facilitate dining either on the aft deck or at the interior dining table. Relaxation and entertaining areas are found throughout and the fore-deck has been designed to accommodate a jacuzzi and large sun-pad.  Great consideration was given to the engine selection so as to accommodate long-range and efficient cruising. With this in mind, commercial-grade MTU engines have been chosen. The ZF trailing gearboxes are designed for full redundancy and to enable the ability to run on one motor, which reduces fuel burn and engine hours. Lithium-ion battery packs will also be installed to offset the house functions such as air conditioning and general electricity. The fuel capacity has also substantially increased to 24600 liters.  Currently under construction and on schedule to deliver to her owner in early 2021, the new Horizon CC98 will easily provide the owner the opportunity to travel to the world’s most remote locations with his family, friends and favorite toys. This fourth Horizon is a dream super yacht for an owner who appreciates the exceptional quality, proven functionality, and opportunities for customization and innovation that Horizon offers with its Custom Collection platform.

www.horizonyacht.com

Howard Arneson 1921 - 2020

Howard Arneson has passed away at the age of 99, on June 16 at 2200 hours. His today world famous Arneson surface drives were first developed in offshore racing in 1980. The system allows the propeller to run partially above the the water line which in turn creates less drag.  Unlike previous invented surface drives the Arneson Surface Drive could also steer and trim, with previous similar inventions being fixed units and with rudders. After first testing the drives on an 18 Arena Craft, Arneson purchased a 38 wooden Cougar Cat to prove their worth.  Arneson driven by Tony Garcia, won nine races and two World Championships.  The system was also used on fast sport cruisers and yachts, with the first builders to commercial use the system being Italian builder Baia and American Magnum.  In 1992 Twin Disc acquired the rights to distribute and manufacture the Arneson Surface Drvies.  Arneson held eighteen patents for his various inventions, his most commercially successful was the Arneson Pool Sweep.  Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer promoted the product in the 1970’s.  Arneson was born May 25 1921 in Benicia, California, he died June 16 2020 in San Rafael, California.  Howard Arneson died of natural causes.

New Model: Hunt Ocean 63

Hunt present the new Ocean 63 a traditional inspired flybridge motor yacht offering speed and performance in many sea conditions, thanks to a tried and tested deep Vee hull.  The Hunt Ocean 63 comes with choices from the interior available in wood selections of cherry, teak or mahogany, to a number of versatile layouts with galley up or down, three or four cabins plus a crew cabin. The Hunt Ocean 63 is a warm extension of home that welcomes friends and family aboard allowing owners to experience a build process only seen at super yacht level.  The Hunt Ocean 63 is build to American Bureau of Shipping certification standards, and shares the same hull design and handling characteristics of military and North American pilot sister ships. The 20 degree transom dead rise on the deep-V hull form has been patented, popularized, and perfected by C. Raymond Hunt Design studio for ocean performance, sea kindliness and comfort.  Powered by twin Volvo 1000hp with IPS pod drives as propulsion the Hunt Ocean 53 reaches top speed up to 31 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 21.18 m (69.6ft)

Waterline Length - 17.44 m

Beam - 5.48 m

Draft - 1.27 m

Displacement - 35380 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 3785 l

Water Capacity - 1135 l

Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, or eight berths in four cabins, or four berths in two cabins, one crew cabin berth

Engines - 2 x Volvo D13 1000hp

Propulsion Volvo forward looking IPS1350 dual propeller pod drives

Speed - 31 knots max 28 knots cruise

Hull Shape - deep Vee with twenty degrees dead rise aft

Project - C. Raymond Hunt and Associates

Certification - ABS

www.huntyachts.com

Project: Maritimo M55

Maritimo present the project for the M55, a fine balance of power and play that fuses the latest advancements in nautical technology and design with the iconic features of the M-Series models of the past. Australian built, it's sharpened exterior design, extensive entertainment areas, and high performance reset the international standard for long-range cruising motor yachts. Inspired by the lessons learned to create a class-leading, enduring line of blue water motor yachts for tough Australian conditions, Maritimo's experienced team of maritime designers and skilled craftspeople have developed a fresh take on how a flybridge motor yacht should perform and feel. As soon as you step aboard the new M55 you will appreciate the Maritimo difference for a space easily accommodating in style, safety and comfort. A fully enclosed climate-controlled flybridge sky lounge with internal staircase access provides the essential comfort needed for long-range cruising and passage making.  Re-imagined adventure deck and lower cockpit space with optional fully lined three meter space tender garage  and large alfresco upper cockpit provide considered and versatile living spaces. Large walk-around decks and minimal steps provide safe and easy access for the whole family. The M55 sky lounge has truly maximized the motor yachts beam and space. In addition to Maritimo's renowned climate-controlled fully enclosed flybridge and internal staircase, enjoy two dedicated flybridge lounging areas and a large aft flybridge deck with a full hardtop and optional roll-down clears. Maritimo’s aft galley seamlessly connects the upper cockpit deck and the enormous saloon lounging area. Injecting light and air to the saloon and flybridge is the option of Maritimo’s unique two-stage vista sliding windows which transform the areas into an indoor outdoor escape. Below deck free-flowing spaces utilize the hull’s volume, maximizing height and minimizing the number of steps. Three spacious staterooms and two ensuites are on offer, with full-beam king master stateroom, offset queen forward stateroom, and twin single starboard guestroom.   The Maritimo M55 will be standard powered by twin Volvo 670hp with line shaft propulsion.  No speed data has yet been given.

www.maritimo.com.au

Sport Cruiser Fire and Sinking in Gozo

An eight meter long Sport Cruiser took fire and sank in Qala, North East part of the Gozo island, second in size and sister island of Malta, in the center of the Mediterranean on 14 June at arounf 1400 hours.  Two persons where aboard the sport cruiser and after jumping into the sea, where rescued by a neighboring boat.

The sport cruiser in the fire looks to be of Maltese origin, possible a Hi-Tec Marine 276 model build in the late nineties.

New Model: Princess X95

Princess are thrilled to share the first ever X95 images, on her latest sea trial which took place in Plymouth, England this week. As the eagerly anticipated slot hull one of the new X95 nears completion in the Plymouth based manufacturing facility, you can see what sets this innovative new yacht apart from the  pack. Characterized by beautifully sculpted surfaces, with long flowing lines that extend from bow to stern, the X95 defines a striking design language for a new concept of boat while maintaining classic Princess design cues.  The X95 is the first model in the new X Class . Both the flybridge and main deck interior space cover almost the full length of the yacht, creating the a super flybridge as the X Class’s defining characteristic. This new layout provides 10% more outdoor space and 40% more indoor space than a similar sized traditional super yacht. Creating this class-defining yacht from Princess’s design brief was the work of their long standing naval architect, Olesinski, in partnership with legendary Italian design house Pininfarina.  In addition to the X95’s innovative architecture, Princess has made significant steps forward in hull design and the X95 is equipped with an all-new wave piercing bow that extends the waterline forward and provides a fine, high deadrise entry. The hull delivers a 15% improvement in efficiency when compared to a traditional hull design.  On board, the standard guest accommodation for up to eight can be found on the lower deck, comprising a full-beam master stateroom amidships, two twin guest cabins and a double VIP suite forward. However, the first X95 incorporates a five-cabin arrangement with a full beam main deck master suite, plus a non-standard lower deck layout including aft VIP stateroom with adjoining gym room, complete with treadmill and TRX training area.  Other non-standard features on this X95 include the custom exterior paint scheme in Princess midnight blue and inside, a custom saloon layout including family style dining table. She also hosts a drop down projector unit with large canvas cinema screen on the aft flybridge. There is also a bespoke crew accommodation layout to house up to five crew members on board, demonstrating just how flexible the X95 layout really is.  The Princess X95 is powered by twin Man 1900hp engines which give her a maximum speed up to 23 knots. The X95 is yet another innovative new concept for Princess Yachts. The X Class creates an entirely new segment, and while representing a significant step in the Princess new product program, she is absolutely the epitome of British craftsmanship . Princess Yachts are immensely proud of this striking new addition to the range, as she boldly re-writes the rules of yacht design.

Technical Data:

LOA - 29.1 m (95.6ft)

Beam - 6.77 m

Draft - 2.01 m

Displacement - 104 t half load

Fuel Capacity - 13400 l

Water Capacity - 1800 l

Accommodation - ten berths in five cabins, or eight berths in four cabins, three crew in two cabins, or five crew in three cabins

Engines - 2 x Man V12 1900hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 23 knots max

Project - Olesinski hull lines, Pininfarina Concept

www.princessyachts.com