September 15, 2020

New Model: Pearl 62

British Pearl Yachts has really evolved in recent years, from a cultist of the Britsh aft cabin cruiser in the late nineties early second millennium, the company has since entered into larger sizes with the 75 model in 2010 and proving a hit, set sights into the standard motor yacht design.  Designed by Bill Dixon the Pearl 62 is a really sweet modern looking motor yacht and packs a lot of accommodation in just eighteen meters, offering a four double cabins layout, with a separate entrance master cabin at midships.  A plus point in the Pearl 62 is that it has no bunk berths which is what most four cabins eighteen meters motor yacht offer.  The Pearl 62 also comes with the option for the main deck with a choice coming to starboard which replaces the four person dinette to a larger one further forward.  The Pearl 62 is standard powered by Volvo 725hp or optional 800hp and 900hp engines with Volvo IPS pod drives.  Standard engines allow max speeds up to 27 knots while the optional largest option give 33 knots top end.      
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.61 m (61ft)
Hull Length - 17.4 m
Beam - 5.30 m 
Draft - 1.59 m
Displacement - 32 t light
Fuel Capacity - 2750 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Accommodation - eight berths in four cabins, one crew cabin berth
Engines - 2 x D11 725hp, D13 800hp, D13 900hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS pod drives
Speed - 27 knots with Volvo 725hp, 33 knots with Volvo 900hp
Range - 250 nm at cruise
Project - Bill Dixon exterior and hull, Kelly Hopen interior

September 14, 2020

Project: Cranchi A42

Since launching the Sessantotto 24 meter flagship earlier this year, Cranchi has found new fresh energy for innovative design which go out of the spectrum it got us used in the last forty years.  That is not to say this is something new for Cranchi, as for example the company was faster then most to enter the explorer segment with the Trawler line in 2013, and the T36 Crossover is another unique product in the boating World.  Designed as all latest models by Christian Grande with the A42 Luxury Tender, Cranchi is following the pack in the rise of the walk around day cruiser.  The A42 offers full exterior deck use from bow to stern, while below it offers a four berth accommodation; convertible dinette and large cabin, with a spacious head featuring a shower stall.  The Cranchi A42 shall be powered by twin Volvo with pod drives, no engine data is given but I imagine it will be the new pumped up Volvo 480hp.  Due to the success of this kind of boat in the North American market Cranchi has declared that they are working on an outboard version, surely with three possibly optional four engines.  World launch is set for early 2021 in Dusseldorf.

September 13, 2020

Maxi Dolphin New Web Site

Maxi Dolphin is an Italian custom yacht builder which presents its new updated Internet web showroom. Founded in 1987 in Brescia Italy, it started by building one off racing sailing yachts for high demanding clients. Its first launch was Carmen Di Bellavista, a 73 feet maxi sailing yacht designed by Bruce Farr to race in the ICAYA circuit. In 2007 came the presentation of its power sport yacht range with the introduction of the beautiful Studio Starkel designed MD51 Power.  The MD51 is followed by the MD53 Power, what is a sloop stern version of the 51.  Projects of the MD65 have followed, but an MD70 Power is reported under construction with a delivery for Summer 2021. Maxi Dolphin has so far delivered a total of over three hundred boats designed by World Class designers Bruce Farr, German Frers, Luca Brenta, Roberto Starkel, Bill Tripp, Ettore Santarelli, and Jean Marie Finot. The following buttons guide you through the site: Sailing Yachts, Motor Yachts, Shipyard, Brokerage, News, and Contacts.  Maxi Doplhin also features its social media pages Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube with link buttons located on the top of the page.
Production History;
51 Power 2007-
53 Power 2010-
Tender Nauta 48 2020-
70 Power 2022- *65 Power project

September 12, 2020

New Launch: Benetti 107.6 meter FB272

Benetti FB272 M/Y Luminosity is not an ordinary super yacht. The most advanced technology ever seen in the yacht industry matches the most pleasing results. Diesel-electric power, Azipod propulsion and advanced high-tech battery technology for covering 8,000 nm at 10 knots reveal a truly hybrid world cruiser. A floating dream not over yet. Her pioneering spirit is always monitoring the development of the future improvements and opportunities. The engine room is an impressive example of advanced technology. An advanced system for the minimum level of vibration and noises. A 3 megawatt/h Lithium Polymer battery bank for 12 hours of power with switched-off generators and no emissions. The Power Management System assures the best use of every ounce of energy. Appliances and systems on board operate with the maximum efficiency anywhere in the world. From an unrivalled audio-video system to a cutting-edge super-fast connection never used before on a yacht of this size and fingerprint recognition systems to access the more private areas. Preventive measures ensure safety in any situation. From sand filters and retractable stabilizer fins to a medical centre with an air sanitation system. So much more than just a practical purpose. Energy and technology bring to life some modern works of art on board. Over 370 meters of interactive panels show powerful images of nature letting them come alive and the 264 white magnolia flowers on the Main Saloon wall, silently open and close as a person passes through, miming the ever-evolving perfection of Nature.  FB272 embraces art in an extraordinary way. Beauty in its purest form blends with comfort and onboard needs. Every single detail tells a story. Every creation evokes masterpieces of artists who have left a mark on the history of art. Damien Hirst’s famous coloured circles find new expression on the French limestone floor in the Main Deck Lobby. As for Man Ray, an extraordinary eye-shaped construction at the base of the 18-meter-high stairwell winks at his magnificent work. The hymn to life of Matisse’s collages inspires the intriguing shapes throughout the yacht’s Main Saloon and Lounge. Among them, a sinuous configuration of hand-forged steel polished to a mirror that encloses a thousand Bohemian crystal bulbs illuminates the main lounge.  Other enchanting stories adorn this space: the beginning of Melville’s Moby Dick is gently engraved on the crafted pillars. The adventures of the world’s great sea faring explorers enrich the refined Portuguese Majolica tiles by Boca do Lobo on the cabinetry. An ensemble of highly polished concave and convex dishes flood the Master Deck Office with light. A great tribute to the Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor. Another eyecatcher on this deck is the Master Stateroom full custom Culligan hydromassage, crafted from one single block of the same marble used by Michelangelo to sculpt his outstanding David in Florence. The changing lunar phases in a single piece of Iranian onyx cut with surgical precision. A dreamy Moon Light shines upon the Upper Deck VIP suite. Endless details catch the eye without having to compete for the attention.
Technical Data:
LOA - 107.60 m (353ft)
Beam - 17 m
Draft - 4.55 m
Displacement - 5844 t
Fuel Capacity - 400,000 l
Water Capacity - 80,000 l
Accommodation - 27 guests in twelve cabins, 37 crew in 22 cabins
Engines - 6 x Cats C32 Acert 1803hp
Propulsion - Azipod pod drives
Speed - 16 knots max ten knots cruise
Range - 8000 nm at 10 knots
Hull Shape - displacement
Construction - steel hull aluminium super structure
Project - Hugo van Wieringen, Raymond Lengton, Giorgio M.Cassetta, Zaniz interior and exterior

September 11, 2020

Project: Columbus Classic 50

The Columbus Classic 50 is a brand-new displacement motor yacht of fifty meters with steel hull and aluminium superstructure that fall into the less than 500 Gross Tons category.  Designed by Sergio Cutolo of Hydrotec this fifty super yachts features a classic modern feel, with the superstructures  designed to allow large windows to always maintain contact with the sea and the external environment.  The hull, characterised by flared and slender bow shapes, is designed to obtain very low levels of drag together with excellent qualities of manoeuvrability and seaworthiness.  The large outdoor spaces are spread over three levels and allow different configurations that include lounge, bar with dining area, swimming pool and large sunbathing areas.  The interiors are characterised by the arrangement that allows to have four guest cabins, a VIP cabin and an owner’s cabin, the latter arranged on the deck.  The two lounges, one on the main deck and the other on the upper deck, offer multiple combinations for the arrangement of guests’ common living areas.  The main tender is housed in a garage below deck while, at the far stern, a large beach club has been created with a cantilevered hydraulic platform.  The Columbus 50 Classic cruising speed will be around 14 knots with a range exceeding 4,000 nautical miles. The Columbus Classic Line comprises also the 80M, 100M and a 120M megayachts.

September 10, 2020

Improve-It = Otam 65 HT

The second of three new Otam's for 2020, this unique 65 HT has been delivered. The iconic exterior has been adapted to meet the specific demands of a deeply passionate and brave owner, driven by the desire to create a brand new design, a true one-off in Otam style. At the customer’s request, the Francesco Guida Design firm designed the styling and details of the internal layout and of the external cockpit, giving the yacht even more personality and translating the specific requests of the customer with a high attention to detail.  The interiors have been inspired to that of a private with raw carbon being visible in some areas to underline the performance aspect of the sport yacht.  This Otam 65 HT also sets itself apart from previous 65 units for having extensive use of carbon fibre in the build process, and also for being equipped with twin 2000hp MTU engines.  These engines set a new record for Otam's 65th anniversary, making it the fastest build ever by reaching top speeds up to sixty knots and a cruise of fifty knots.  Considering that most Otams reach fifty knots max this is a huge achievement and may 65 feet plus 65 years does indeed equal sixty knots.

September 9, 2020

Project: Dale Classic 36

Out of the new platform of the Dale 35, the British boat builder is presenting three platforms all inspired to traditional British pilot boat design.  The Dale Classic 36 is the third and largest of these three models, and the most inspired and similar to the Classic 45 model.  The Dale Classic 36 will feature as the two other models three lower deck arrangements, standard is for a single forward and galley down arrangement.  The optional versions moves the galley to the wheelhouse and use the space to starboard for another second cabin, or a larger queen island berth cabin below.  The new Dale 35/36 series can be powered by single Volvo 270hp or optional 400hp engine, and or twin 170hp or 270hp choices.  All powers are stern drive propulsion.  

September 8, 2020

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

September 7, 2020

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.