New Model: Uniesse Exuma HTC5

When speaking of the just launched Uniesse Exuma HTC5 we have to look back at the past.  Uniesse always got me excited, for two reasons, because it managed to marry a sportfishing design with that of the Mediterranean cruiser in looks and purpose.  The Uniesse 48 and 57 Opens, launched in 96 and 97 respectively married this concept to perfection, and where a huge success from the end nineties till the first decade of the first millennium for the North Italian boat builder.  The Uniesse Exuma Hard-Top Coupe HTC5 is the evolution of the 48, re-imagined for the future.  We have two important changes in  the first HTC5 which launched this Summer, and that is a fully enclosed hard-top with patio door, and the profile window on the hull, stretching the whole cabin area, with added port holes on the fore deck.  The interior of the Exuma HTC5 is a two cabin two heads layout with forward owners stateroom, and a guest cabin with two in line berths to port side.  To starboard is a galley and an L-shaped dinette in standard version, with an option existing to have a large gourmet size kitchen.  The Uniesse Exuma HTC5 is available in five engine choices from Cummins 600hp up to Man 800hp, with standard propulsion being line shaft and IPS pod drives coming with the Volvo engines.  Hull one of the Exuma HTC5 is currently on its way to the USA and should be presented Covid-19 permitting at the 2020 Fort Lauderdale boat show at the end of October.  The Exuma HTC5 is Uniesse second new model after the company launched the SS 6, presented as 56 SS two years ago in the Summer of 2018.    

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.64 m (54.7ft)

Beam - 4.62 m

Draft - 1.16 m

Displacement - 15,300 kg light, 19100 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 2649 l

Water Capacity - 600 l

Accommodation - four berths in two cabins

Engines - 2 x Cummins QSC 600hp, QSM11 700hp, Man I6 800hp, Volvo D11 625hp, D11 725hp

Propulsion - line shaft, or Volvo forward looking dual propeller pod drives (with Volvo engines)

Speed - up to 40 knots max with large engine options

www.uniesse.com

Fairline On the Rocks in Black Sea

A Fairline Squadron 58 ended on the rocks in Cape Takil, on the Northern part of the Black Sea in Ukraine Crimea area on the 7th September.  The boat is reported to have hull damage and was taking on water aft.  Cape Takil is located on the Northern part of the black sea just before the entrance to the Sea of Azov.  No information on how the accident happened.

The Squadron 58 was a huge hit for well known British boat builder Fairline selling in just over two hundred units for a production which lasted six years from 2003 up to 2009. Little modifications have been made to the Squadron 58 with the most noticeable being the hull windows shape change in late 2006 from eye to square, and wood finish options inside beyond cherry wood in the last two years.  The Squadron 58 featured a three double cabins interior with a crew cabin, and was standard powered by twin Volvo 715hp, and or optional 775hp or Cat 800hp engines.  Top speed was up to 32 knots.

Sport Cruiser Runs Aground in Kingsville

A nine meter sport cruiser with three people onboard started sinking in Lake Erie, near Kingsville, Ontario, on Sunday sixth September 2020.  The sport cruiser was cruising from Put-in-Bay to Vermillion, Ohio when into it's trip and running about two hundred meters offshore was pushed aground, and later partly sank, listing to its starboard side.  A call for assistance was made but the Coast Guard could not find the vessel with ultimately being the Kingsville Fire Department who rescued the occupants, with two of them needing treatment for undisclosed injuries.  The cause of the grounding are not reported with the boat being salvaged on Monday seventh September.

The boat in this grounding is a Canadian build Doral Prestancia 32, produced from 2006 to 12.  The Prestancia 32 followed leaner and sportier lines the Canadian boat builder started to introduce in noughties.  The Prestancia 32 came out as an evolution of the Prestancia 28, and ceased production when Doral went out of business in 2012.

Project: X-Power 33C

Some things you think of never seeing in a life time, and this is one of them, X-Yachts making a motor boat.  The tell signals showed when the Danish yacht builder acquired HOC Yachts in 2019, and indeed the X-Yachts 33C is moulded from the HOC Cruiser 33.  Onward with some bits from the official press release. With more than forty years of experience in high performance sailing boats, X-Yachts is now introducing a new initiative, based on some of the experience they have, a ten meter open powerboat sport cruiser for quality-conscious boaters, with exactly the same overall strategy. Fast and safe on the water, superior pleasure with ownership, innovative development and design. The powerboat is planned for launch in January 2021, and the important milestones are reached by close supervision of designers, boat builders, engineers and technicians.  X-Yachts celebrated their forty years anniversary in 2019, and one of the anniversary presents was the chance offered, also to start-up powerboat production.  X-Yachts is confident that the new powerboat range will seem like a gift for the discerning sailor. The first model the 33C is produced with an inboard engine, a patented Petestep® designed hull making the driving experience smooth and elegant. X-Yachts is promising that the operation will be an intuitive experience, eliminating the need for a user manual, enabling everyone to run the boat feeling fully secure. The driving panel will be a light experience with integrated navigation and operation system.  The first X-Power model will be launched in January 2021, the second being a closed model is planned for launch in September 2021, and finally for now, the yard has planned yet another X-Power launch in January 2023.  The X-Power 33C will be powered by a single Yanmar engine from 320hp, and two other more powerful choices of 350hp and 370hp.  Propulsion will be line shaft, and so far the let down especially for a company which does blue water cruising sailing yachts is the CE C design category, meaning coastal waters, rivers and lakes.

www.x-yachts.com

New Launch: Rossinavi 49.70m FR038

Italian shipyard Rossinavi is proud to announce the delivery, after two years under construction, of the 49.70m M/Y Lel. Developed by Kurt Lehmann, Chairman of Yacht Moments, this new Rossinavi fifty meter is the perfect balance between sporty exterior lines and contemporary interiors. Designed by renowned design firm Luca Dini Design and Architecture, which was responsible for both the exterior and interior styling, a first collaboration between Rossinavi and the Florence-based studio. Completely built in aluminium, the new Rossinavi is a celebration of fluid forms, thanks to a dynamic silhouette that harmonically culminate into both decks and hull. The generous size of the main common areas makes her one of a kind in the segment of superyachts with similar gross tonnage, giving her a substantial competitive advantage.  The Rossinavi 50m boasts a rather large beach club that allows for a dynamic and natural interaction with the surrounding environment. When the side and stern doors are lowered, interiors and exteriors organically merge into one vast and comfortable entertaining space featuring an indoor bar area where the tender can also be accommodated. The beach club is therefore an adjustable area of the yacht also including a garage which can be isolated and managed separately by closing the automatic door on the staircase that leads to the main deck. Here, the cockpit provides a double usage thanks to its raised panoramic area that overlooks the second bar ensuring maximum privacy without sacrificing entertainment space when the staircase is closed off. The upper deck features a tranquil dining area which can be transformed into a private and protected environment with a removable veranda. This innovation features outdoor heating lights and a room air conditioning system which allows for the boat to be enjoyed throughout the year and in different weather conditions. At the top is the sundeck fitted with sunbathing and relax areas by the pool pointing towards horizon and equipped with a dedicated bar station.  Indoor, the main saloon features refined luxury interiors, which combine a contemporary design furniture, elegant textiles, precious leathers and bespoke finishes for a tactile perception of timeless elegance. The owner’s suite is located forward on the main deck and is of generous size. In order to increase the comfort of this area, a large walk-in-closet has been installed and the cabin also features a private balcony directly suspended on the sea. Adjacent to this suite is located a VIP stateroom. On the lower deck, four guest cabins are all well-equipped with the latest comforts and merry the character. This new Rossinavi 50m  is powered by two MTU 3459hp diesel engines, which give her a top speed of 25 knots and a cruise of 21.

Technical Data:

LOA - 49.70 m (163.1ft)

Beam - 9 m

Draft - 2.60 m

Accommodation - eleven plus two guests in 5 cabins, nine crew in five cabins

Engines - 2 x MTU 12V 4000 M93L 3459hp

Propulsion - line shaft 

Speed - 25 knots max 21 knots cruise

Range - up to 4000 nautical miles

Hull Shape - fast displacement

Construction - aluminium

Project - Luca Dini exterior and interior, Arrabito naval architecture and hull design

www.rossinavi.it

Sport Cruiser on the Rocks in Malta

In the morning of fourth September 2020, at Bahar ic-Caghaq located in the North West coast of Malta found itself in the same position it did in 20th June.  Following over night and morning North East strong winds a sport cruiser of about eight meters in length broke its swing mooring and finished on the rocks. This part of the island is open to the Easterly winds which do become more common and strong in September and the Autumn period on the island.  Other smaller boats where involved in similar incidents around the Northern part of the Maltese island, while a Bavaria sailing yacht of about twelve meters in length also finish grounded in sand at Mellieha bay.

The boat in this accident is a Seawings 277 sport cruiser produced in England by Hardy.  Seawings was the sport cruiser planning hull range of Hardy, more famous for its semi displacement medium size pilot cabin boats, and the 277 produced in around the mid nineties although offering a typical British line of the mid nineties was interesting for offering a three part hard-top in just over eight meters of size.  The Seawings 277 offered a two plus two accommodation below deck, with a comfortable cockpit deck offering a C-shaped dinette and opposite wet-bar.  The Seawings 277 was powered by a single diesel or twin petrol gas engines with stern drive propulsion.  

Project: Dynamiq GTT 165

Dynamiq is proud to present the renewed GTT 165, the flagship model in the Dynamiq range. The latest updates made to the GTT 165 follow the successful unveiling of the renewed GTT 160 model in March this year, bringing the GTT range in line with Dynamiq’s signature lines and unique design language.  With modern technology and unique design at her core, the GTT 165 is an innovative 50-metre superyacht. Designed for those seeking ultimate relaxation she comfortably accommodates twelve guests across six luxurious staterooms including an impressive owner’s suite. The two side structural balconies are a particular highlight, providing the owner with private moments on board, while a desk, seating area and large ensuite bathroom with a freestanding bathtub complete the space.  The GTT 165 boasts a unique interior style with an exclusive selection of furnishings and accessories from renowned Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta. The chic interior is designed in a relaxed Maldivian style, utilising a calm palette as well as natural woods and stone.  From indulging in a day of relaxation in the onboard spa to enjoying cosy family meals by the open galley, the GTT 165 is a superyacht that has it all. Large sliding doors on the upper deck allow guests to transform the area from a spacious indoor-outdoor space to a sophisticated dining area, with the upper salon fireplace creating the perfect intimate ambience. In addition to flexible dining and entertainment spaces, the aft sundeck is dedicated to wellness, featuring 360-degree views from the gym as well as plenty of space for a tranquil yoga setup. The state-of-the-art spa centre is found on the lower deck with direct access to the water.   Engineered in the Netherlands by the experts at Van Oossanen Naval Architects, the GTT 165 has a robust, fast-displacement hull built from an aluminium alloy, making her a super-efficient ocean-going yacht. She is capable of a maximum speed of 19 knots, or up to 23 knots with the Sport package, and a long-distance autonomous range of 4,000 nm resulting in the ability to undertake multiple cruising seasons. At the owner’s request, a hybrid propulsion system can be chosen for ultimate efficiency and silent operation.

www.bedynamiq.com

New Model: Fraucher 1212 Ghost

While most Ghosts stay invisible the new Frauscher 1212 Ghost has shed its shroud in Summer 2020 with an evolution of the Austrian boat builder design language that is both bold and beautiful. Along with other Frauscher models the 1212 Ghost features distinctive elements like the huge teak deck, frameless and tinted windscreen as well a straight bow design. The side air intakes, first featured on the 747 Mirage and then on the 1414 Demon are further developed and give the side profile a very distinctive look. The back features a swooping design framing the generous teak bathing platform in spectacular fashion.  Frauscher also sets new standards in the handling department: the driver sits exactly in the centre line of the boat for a perfect view around the boat. The ergonomic helm design features a bow thruster as standard and an optional Joystick operation system. The displays and instruments are recessed to give a better view even in direct sunlight. The deep-V hull is a development of the innovations used on the 1414 Demon and the 858 Fantom, two boats known for their sensational handling and rough water abilities and features two distinctive steps to push the boat onto plane faster and to accommodate a smooth and dry ride. Powered by twin Mercruiser  430hp petrol engines and or optional Volvo 440hp diesels with stern drive propulsion the Ghost 1212 offers a range of up to 300 miles.  Other Fraucher technical details in the 1212 Ghost are a standard fold-out anchor system which gives the captain complete control and view of the anchoring process without the need to leave the helm station. A warm water boiler, AC for the cabin, Diesel generator, high JL-Audio sound and ice maker are optional whereas a foldable Bimini top, full teak decking and fridges are standard. The three teak tables, two in the cockpit and one in the cabin are all retractable and convert into beds. The cabin features a surprisingly spacious bathroom with sink, toilet and shower as well as a unique interior design with lots of indirect lighting.

Technical Data:

LOA - 11.99 m (39.3ft)

Beam - 3.50 m

Displacement - 8000 kg with standard engines

Fuel Capacity - 850 l

Accommodation - two berths

Max Persons - ten

Engines - 2 x Mercruiser V8 8.2l 430hp petrol gas, Volvo D6 440hp diesel

Propulsion - dual propeller stern drives

Range - 300 nautical miles at cruise

Hull Shape - deep Vee with two steps 

www.fraucherboats.com

Project: Monte Carlo Yacht MCY76 Skylounge

After the success Monte Carlo Yachts received with the MCY70 Skylounge, the Italian based French Beneteau Group owned boat builder immediately followed it with the project of the two meter larger MCY76.  Skylounge or Enclosed-Bridge yachts are popular in North America, and down under Australian continents for two reasons, first they create another all weather climate controlled environment, second they free space in the main deck.  The solution is most popular with sportfish yachts above twenty meters, but in recent years thanks to the Aussie builders we are seeing the idea going in lower sizes and in more cruising dedicated motor yachts.  Hence we have seen the Beneteau Group with its headlining Monte Carlo Yachts motor yachting brand make attention and in less to a year present two models with this set up.  The MCY76 Skylounge will be accessed from an internal stair case to starboard, and will feature a central helm station with two by two forward settees.  To aft of the station is an L-shaped relax lounger with sofa opposite, while the open part aft will offer a free space.  Below the MCY76 Skylounge will benefit from two options replacing the lower helm station area, that for a large C-shaped galley, and or a large C-shaped lounger with galley aft layout.  

www.montecarloyachts.it

Respecting Your Roots

With many boat builders having thirty, forty, fifty years or more behind them I see little of them respecting there past.  Yet without it would they have arrived where they are now.  Your brand was actually created by that first model you made, and what followed after that and how each model represented a step in an evolution to improve boating for you and your clients.  

Some months ago in a video interview of Norberto Ferretti it was nice to see him say the story of how the first 38 model came into existence, and that the mould and boat was actually designed by Fabio Buzzi, for legendary multi winning Italian performance boat builder Cigala and Bertinetti, who competed for a Military boat contract which did they not get.  This 38 was Ferretti first production motor boat made in three variants over the years, and now I can understand why in the eighties the North Adriatic boat builder did get a fame for a solid sea-keeping boat, considering who was behind there first boat design and for what it was created. 

Fast forward to today and I actually like to see what Riviera who will celebrate forty years in 2021 is doing on its Facebook social media platform, with a brief story to come on each model it launched so far.  This posting started on 22 August with its first 38 Mark 1 model which launched Riviera and sold in 36 units in a six year production run before it evolved into the Mk.2.  Following this I would suggest Riviera to do a page on its website about all its previous models with some basic technical information and production run and numbers sold.  I would actually suggest this to all boat builders.  For those that follow Riviera, the Australian boat builder was already giving random historical model information on its monthly newsletter, which was my favourite peace of literature in the e-mail.  

This is not the first time a boat builder does this, Riva and Italcraft had similar data on past website versions, which unfortunately is not there anymore.  I think in the case of the above two, it is a double let down since both builders represent an important core of motor boating story and evolution both from the design and technical point of view.  While Ferretti did something similar during its fifty years anniversary some ten years ago, which unfortuntatly was removed.  Sunseeker does also give a short history which starts in 1999 on the website, but in reality the boat launched its first model in 1969 with the 17 Soverign under the Poole Powerboats badge.  True story in the official website Sunseeker also has a wrong photo of the 1999 to 2001 Predator 60, shown as the 2009 to 13 shall we call it Mk.2 produced version.  Then we have Princess which while not offering anything about its history directly, it largest dealer co.uk does offer a history of all the models most with a picture and some technical detail of what it produced since its founding in 1965.