June 20, 2021

Two Killed in Collision Hit and Run on Garda Lake

Two Germans killed two Italians, a 37 year old male and a 25 years old female in a collision hit and run which happened in the night of nineteen June on Lake Garda in the North of Italy, in the South West Salo part of the lake.  The accident has strange circumstances as the two Germans onboard the Riva Aquarama mahogany cruiser declared in the police interrogation to not even notice to have hit the launch boat and to have killed the two Italians, continuing with there affairs on the lake, and after this also returning to there homes in Bavaria Munich in Germany.  The Germans onboard the Riva cruiser are currently detained in a prison in Brescia.
The boat in this accident is a Riva Aquarama a model produced from 1962 till 1996 in five versions.  A total of 769 Aquarama's where build in its 34 years production run; including the limited edition only one made Lamborghini, the seven produced 22 centimeters longer and 8.7 meters long Lungo, the slightly longer and more powerful Super Aquarama launched in 1963, and the Aquarama Special which was produced 1972 to 96  and is easily recognizable thanks to its sloop stern.  The  Aquarama was developed on the Tritone, and like its predecessor was twin engine powered with line shaft propulsion, and depending on engines reached speed from forty to fifty knots. The Aquarama is the most regarded motor boat of all time thanks for it being incredibly beautiful, making it the preferred of many VIPs today but also in the sixties and seventies, and Riva using this to clever market the boat.  The Riva wooden runabouts sport cruisers, which started with the Corsaro in 1946 ended with the Aquarama Special in 1996 hull #749.  Five years later to the stop in production this heritage was reignited by Riva with the fiberglass Aquariva designed by Mauro Micheli, launched in 2001 and still produced today in the Super version. 

Cigarette New Web Site

Iconic US powerboat builder Cigarette presents its new World wide web showroom.  Cigarette was one of the brands founded by at the time retired construction magnet Don Aronow. Cigarette debuted in 1969 with a racing 32 feet deep Vee hull featuring twin Mercruiser 475hp, and this hull expanded the Aronow fame of building winning boats from the start taking first at the Long Beach to Esenada Mexico race averaging 76 mph.  In three years time Cigarette with Aronow at the helm will win countless races including two World championships, three US titles, and breaking the record in the Miami Nassau race.  This success will continue with a dozen plus of other racers, winning countless races and titles all over the World.  Following this success of the Cigarette racing boat, the company presents its first production model the 28 Standard, which will be updated to the 28 Super Sleek a few years later.  In 1978 Aronow sells Cigarette to Halter Marine, with the idea of pursing horse racing and other stuff, but pass some time later on 188th street in Miami he founds Squadron XII experimenting with some 27 and 38 feet hulls.  Halter gives again opportunity to buy back into Cigarette for Aronow and with this he merges Squadron XII into the brand.  Don Aronow will buy back the remaining Cigarette shares but will sell the company in 1982 to Jerry Jacoby of Hawk engines, this featuring a clause that Aronow cannot build a deep Vee bottom till 1987.  Jacoby will sell Cigarette in 1984 to Jeffrey Friedman.  After the mid eighties Cigarette launches some important models still called as classics till today from the 35 CafĂ© Racer and the 38 Top Gun, this last selling 500 units as at year 2000 and as yet still in production.  The nineties will see Cigarette build the 42 Revolution 188 dedicated to its founding street, and 46 Rough Rider.  In 1994 CRT Inc founded by Bob Torter and Craig Barrie starts to head Cigarette.  In 1999 Cigarette introduces its first stepped hull this model will be the 38 Top Gun T/S.  In 2002 Cigarette is bought by Chicago businessman Skip Braver, who will sell in 2021 to John Ruiz and Lionheart Capital.  Today Cigarette builds a total of nine models divided into two lines; Performance Centre Console, and High Performance.  The smallest Cigarette is the long standing 38 Top Gun, with the flagship being the 59 Tirrana.  Cigarette new website takes you around with the following buttons; Boats, Our World, Store, and Contact.  Cigarette is also featured on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube with link located at the bottom of the page.      
Production History;
28 Standard 1970-74
28 Super Sleak 1974-86
35 Awesome 1974-85
24 Fire Fox 1984-
35 Cafe Racer 1986-2000
38 Top Gun 1987- (600+)
31 Decathlon 1987-
31 Bullet 1987-2002
42 Revolution 188 1990-96
46 Rough Rider 1992-
38 Top Gun Evolution 1993-
20 Cacu 1995-
42 Tiger 1997-2000
36 Galdiator 2001-
42 Twin Step 2001-02
30 Mystique 2001-03
35 Mistress 2002
42 X 2003-
46 American Muscle 2003-
45 Maximus 2004 (5)
46 Strip Poker 2004-
30 Vice 2004-
39 Top Gun Unlimited 2005-
38 Top Gun GT 2006-
50 Marauder 2006-17
49 Grand Sport 2007-10
39 Top Fish 2008-
42 Huntress 2012-
49 Grand Sport II 2010-20
515 2018-
59 Tirrana 2020-
39 GTS 2021-
52 Thunder 2022-

June 18, 2021

Project: Seanfinity Y-9 Fastexplorer

Seanfinity presents the Y-9 Fastexplorer, an innovative new super yacht project which comes following the success of the T-4, T-5, and the just launched R-4.  The Seanfinity Y-9 represents a new Y for Yacht range for the Italian builder, and at 27 meter will also mean a new important flagship.  Currently the largest Seanfinity is the T-5 at just under fifteen meters in length, and was launched in the fall of 2020.  The Seanfinity Y-9 Fastexplorer promises to have an innovative under water shape which can run at fast speeds but also efficient and seaworthy in displacement mode.  The co-owners of Seanfinity; Vincenzo Tuccio the engineer behind the Top System surface drives, and naval architect Gianluca Caputi previous owner of the Golfo and Italcraft brands are both forward thinking naval architects.  So far very few details are available on the Y-9, apart the above rendering which shows a raised pilot house design, some wide body details, and I would say the choice to have a forward main deck master stateroom.

June 16, 2021

New Model: Rhea 34 Trawler Flybridge

Rhea presents the new Trawler 34 model. Coming from a design of Yann Chabaud, the new Trawler 34 follows Rhea heritage of building medium sized explorer cruiser, and presents itself as the entry level model of the Trawler range which features four models and goes up to fourteen meters in size.  At just over ten meters in length the Trawler 34 presents itself as a small ship with its symmetric design offering safe and secure walk around the main deck, thanks to its deep and wide bulwarks.  Accommodation the Trawler 34 offers two cabins sleeping four below deck, while on the main deck is a dinette which converts to a double berth, and an L-shaped galley behind the helm station to starboard.  On the technical side the Rhea Trawler 34 was designed with a reduced wake hull and draft, thanks to propeller tunnels.  The Trawler 34 is powered by twin Yanmar 250hp and a single Yanmar 370hp engine, both options being offered with line shaft propulsion.  A Sedan version with a reduced draft of just under ten meters, aimed at the inland waterways market of central Europe is currently in the works.    
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.40 m (34.1ft)
Hull Length - 9.96 m
Beam - 3.98 m
Draft - 0.70 m
Displacement - 8000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 440 l
Water Capacity - 400 l
Accommodation - four berths in two cabins, plus two in convertible saloon
Engines - 1 x Yanmar 370hp, or 2 x Yanmar 250hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 21 knots max with twin Yanmar 250hp, 19 knots with Single Yanmar 370hp
Hull Shape - semi planning with propeller tunnels
Project - Yann Chabaud
Certification - CE

June 14, 2021

Project: Viking 54 Sport Coupe

Viking presents the 54 Sport Coupe.  Part of the 54 series which now offers a total four different variants on the same hull, from the Open to the Converible. Accommodation is similar in the express sport yacht versions; Open, Sport Coupe, Sport Tower.  But it does differ from the convertible to optimize the design’s comfort and space.  The 54 Sport Coupe has the same three sided hard-top as the ST but without tower and any sportfishing amenities.  The Open, Sport Coupe and Sport Tower share cockpit and command deck layouts, providing an excellent use of space for fishing, diving, cruising and entertaining. The fourteen square meters cockpit boasts twin mezzanine seating with cooler storage below, easily converted into optional freezer space, along with drink coolers, in-deck fish and storage boxes, a transom live well and a transom door with lift gate. A single centreline lazarette hatch opens nearly 90 degrees for full viewability and access to the available gyro stabilization, as well as the steering, trim tabs and drain pumps. With its open aft bulkhead, the command deck gives you instant access to the cockpit. The centerline helm, with its pedestal seat on a raised platform, provides excellent visibility and is complemented by port double and starboard single companion seating. Three multi-function displays are flush mounted in a recessed black panel, contributing to the clean streamlined helm design. Aft of the helm, there is a convergence of practical and convenience features, including refrigeration and tackle and gear storage compartments. Plump cushions topping the port-side U-shape lounge, which surrounds a walnut table, will cradle your guests in comfort while providing ample height to take in the surroundings. To port, you’ll also find an L-shaped lounge with storage underneath.  Below, the important beam offers volumes of interior space including a choice of two or three cabins layouts. With either, the forward master stateroom is large and fitted with a queen-size bed, plenty of storage behind the horizontal grain walnut cabinetry and served with a private head. Additional staterooms are found on the port side, each with upper and lower berths. The head has private access in the two-stateroom layout, while guests share the head in the three-stateroom plan. Midship on the starboard side is a well-appointed galley with a full appliance package, walnut cabinetry, an engineered stone countertop and under-counter refrigeration/freezer units. Opposite the galley in the two-stateroom model is an L-shaped lounge and table. The three-stateroom version utilizes booth seating. The Viking 54 SC is standard powered by a pair of Man 1400hp, or optional 1550hp engines.

June 12, 2021

Motor Cruiser Burns Down in Trapani

A ten meter motor cruiser with thirteen persons onboard caught fire while being on charter on the morning of twelfth June.  The ten meter Italian build ArsMare cruiser was on charter duty navigating in Sicily to the South West of Trapani,  near the island of Formica when fire started coming out of the engine room.  A call for assistance was made, with military and Coast Guard responding immediately and taking to safety the thirteen passengers including of which where three kids.  With fire alarm on, the Italian Finance Police and Fire Fighters Squad went to the rescue of the motor cruiser, with little success and the boat succumbing to the flames and ultimately sinking.  The ten meter ArsMare cruiser was chartered for an excursion to the popular Egadi islands, which never happened.
The boat in the fire is an RS 31, a ten meter motor cruiser from ArsMare, an Italian boat builder which grew to fame in the late eighties and nineties with its medium sized fisherman cruisers.  The RS 31 was was one of ArsMare most popular models for its cruise comfortable interior accommodation and a free aft deck ideal for fishing.  The ArsMare RS 31 offered an interior for two cabins sleeping four below deck, plus extra two berths in a convertible dinette on the main deck.  The Ars RS 31 was shaft propelled and powered by twin Iveco Aifo 220hp, and 240hp.  The RS 31 was replaced by the more sportfish focused RS 33 ST in 1996.  ArsMare was located in Livorno, and was co-founded by Luigi Prosperi, who is also known for having managed Mochi Craft from 1990 to 1996, and founded Cayman Yachts in 1990.  ArsMare was sold to the Monaco Marine Group in the late nineties, changing the name to Ars Monaco after the sale.

New Model: Overmarine Mangusta 104 Rev

The first hull of the Mangusta 104 Rev, the innovative model representing the new era of Mangusta Maxi Open Line of super sport yachts, was launched the morning of 28th May. This is a super sport yacht that made the news even before hitting the water; indeed, the 104 Rev was moved to the launch venue at night, driving through the narrow streets of Viareggio and stirring the curiosity of many locals, who thus had the privilege of getting a preview of the first hull in the new Open line.  The Mangusta 104 Rev is a revolutionary yacht, currently the entry level in the iconic Maxi Open range, in which Overmarine has been an undisputed leader for over 35 years, with more than three hundred yachts built in this timespan. Thanks to the joint work of the Group’s Engineering Department and designer Igor Lobanov, this vessel’s sporty and slender lines preserve the Mangusta DNA, but reinterpret it in a modern key.  Hull one has been sold to an American client, who was charmed by the new Maxi Open range; a success proving that the American market is increasingly thriving and keeps an eye on the innovations introduced in the Mangusta fleet. All Group lines including the latest models, are now represented overseas.  Other distinctive elements on this cruiser are the wide glass surfaces flawlessly integrated in her powerfully aggressive profile; a true engineering masterpiece. These see-through surfaces result in outstanding visibility while also allowing the vessel to be classified in the BV and MCA classes for commercial registration.  Light pervades all interiors, not only on the main deck; where the cosy, sophisticated salon is surrounded by ceiling-high windows but also on the lower deck, which can accommodate up to ten guests in four cabins; full-beam master stateroom, a VIP cabin, and two guest cabins.  As is the case on each and every Mangusta yacht, the exteriors and interiors form a smooth, harmonious continuum, maximising the concept of lifestyle meant as an unforgettable onboard life experience. The owners and their guests will be able to enjoy maximum relaxation and privacy in the many areas available onboard, including among others the comfortable sunbathing area, located forward, and the sundeck, which is seamlessly integrated in the profile and unravels around the radar arch, resulting in an essential, assertive look. The sundeck consists of a relaxation area furnished with a comfy U-shaped sofa and the second pilot station.  The aft cockpit door opens completely, connecting the salon to the exteriors to create a dining area where guests can indulge in pleasant convivial moments. Hidden behind the stylish aft door, the garage can fit a tender up to five metres and a 3-seat jet-ski.  The Mangusta 104 Rev comes with twin MTU with waterjet propulsion, pushing her to a maximum speed of 35 knots, noiselessly and without the slightest vibrations. At the cruising speed of 25 knots, the yacht can boast a range of 370 nautical miles. Seakeeper gyro stabilizers allow her to deliver impressive performances and comfort both when cruising, even in choppy seas, and at anchor.  Hull one is to be delivered to her owner by the end of July. The next, available for sale, is scheduled for delivery in summer 2022.
Technical Data:
LOA - 31.80 m (104.3ft)
Beam - 7.1 m
Draft - 1.6 m
Displacement - 110 t half load, 120 t full load
Fuel Capacity - 10500 l
Water Capacity - 1600 l
Accommodation - ten guests in four cabins, four crew in two cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 16V 2000 M96L 2600hp
Propulsion - KaMeWa Waterjests
Speed - 35 knots max 25 knots cruise
Range - 370 nm at 25 knots cruise
Construction - single skin hull, cored sandwich super structure
Project - Lobonavo interior and exterior, naval architecture Overmarine
Certification - BV, MCA

June 10, 2021

Project: Cayman F580

Cayman continue to upgrade its line and the company which was reborn in 2017, has been a success story.  Here Cayman is showing the F580 project, and as most of the new projects which the company shows in recent times is currently under construction in Italy, and set for launch in Summer 2021.  The Cayman F580 is a flybridge motor yacht coming from a design of Ferragni, who presents a sweet looking seventeen meter motor yacht, which in the rendering strikes a balance of modernity without exaggerations.  The Cayman F580 will offer a main living on the main deck with astern galley layout, while the lower deck offers a three double cabins three heads layout.  Exterior entertainment areas are three; aft deck, flybridge, and foredeck.  The Cayman F580 will be powered by twin Man 800hp engines. 

June 8, 2021

New Model: Nor-Tech 560 Sport

Nor-Tech present its new flagship, the 560 Sport, part of its Center Console line up. A semi custom offer the 560 Sport, is offered with various options open or closed bow, and larger or smaller cabin. An unusual feature in the Nor-Tech 560 Sport is the only 12-foot beam which allows for trailer travel without the hassle of escort vehicles.  But be sure to have a strong car for this as she still weighs sixteen tons.  The Nor-Tech 560 Sport is powered by quadruple 550hp Cummins which allows for top speed up to seventy knots and a cruise of fifty.  The Nor-Tech flagship is also available with outboards called the 550. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 17 m (56ft)
Beam - 3.65 m
Draft - 0.91 m (exl props and drives)
Displacement - 15875 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 2271 l
Accommodation - two berths
Engines - 4 x Cummins 550hp
Propulsion - surface drives
Speed - 70 knots max. 50 knots cruise
Construction - fiberglass and kevlar
Certification - CE B

June 6, 2021

Project: Otam Custom Range 115

Following in the wake of the award-winning first unit in the Otam Custom Range the 35m Gipsy, designed by Tommaso Spadolini, , the Ligurian shipyard now present another fully engineered 115-foot proposal. However, the only thing the two projects have in common is their length overall, with this new design arriving as one of the fastest alloy super sport yachts on the water capable of reaching 44 knots.  The exterior lines by BG Design Firm, the same studio behind the new Otam 70 HT, are inspired by the aeronautical and automotive worlds to reflect the brand’s racy DNA. Design details include the chromed ventilation vents in the transom and the air inlet on top of the hardtop.  The deep-V hull has been developed by Umberto Tagliavini Marine Design to provide excellent seakeeping, comfortable entry into waves and high speeds. Extensive Finite Element Analysis nsures a rigid hull that is not prone to flexing or twisting, while Computional Fluid Dynamics serve to optimize performance and handling at sea.  Clients can choose between a 3-engine configuration with MTU 2600hp engines and a KaMeWa waterjet central booster for a top speed of 44 knots and a cruise of 32, or twin units of the same engines for a top speed of 35 knots, cruising at 28.  The four stateroom standard layout comprises an airy, open-plan salon and dining area behind the wheelhouse on the main deck where the extensive glazing is designed to provide panoramic sea views, even when seated. There are two ensuite guest staterooms on the lower deck, a large VIP stateroom and a full-beam master stateroom amidships, together with a gym or SPA or a big pantry for best service on board. Otam is to build what Clients desire and request with limitless solutions can be designed the reflect a Buyer’s preference in full.