Collision in Cannes Boat Show 2022

A collision between a new Ecoline Sport Cruiser of eight meters in length and a Van der Valk of sixteen meters happened at the Cannes boat show on the afternoon of seven September, thankfully with no consequences onboard to both the persons of the eight meter sport cruiser and the sixteen meter sport yacht.  Big shock onboard the smaller sport cruiser who had three persons onboard and got most of the damage, being hit astern. Apart cosmetic and structural damage, the Ecolux sport cruiser also damaged its hybrid module and had to cancel the boat show.  The Van der Valk had small cosmetic damage to its bow area.  

The boats in this accident are the new Ecoline Ecolux 850 and the Van der Valk California 52.  The first is a sport cruiser of eight meters in length available among other propulsion also with a patented diesel electric hybrid propulsion by FNM called BlueHybridSystem.  The second is the custom Van der Valk California 52, build on order of Dutch company Waterdream, to a design of Vripack.

Classic Super Yacht Collides into Rock

An Alalunga classic super yacht of 26 meters in size collided on the island of Proti at 0300 of the morning of seven September.  With only the four crew onboard, no injuries are reported to this terrific accident, beside the yacht which received extensive damage to its bow.  Some reports are claiming the yacht was cruising at about twelve knots.  The island of Proti is one of the further Southern located of the Greek Ionian islands.  The yacht was miraculously saved from sinking and taken further South to Pilos, made possible thanks to a very good water tight forward bulkhead I add.

This Alalunga is a 26 mt model, designed by Aldo Cichero build in around the early eighties.  The Alalunga 26 offered a four double cabins lower deck, and with standard engines usually reached speed in the high twenties.  The Alalunga 26 is a further development of the 24 model released in 1973, which then developed to the 25 in the mid seventies.  The 26 is recognizable by the more rounded forward windshield, and no circle shaped port-holes on the topside.  

Alalunga where build by Cantieri Navali Santa Margherita, founded by Mario Spertini in 1961, and is renowned for the seaworthiness and nice lines of its yachts, build of wood up until the mid nineties.  Eventually when the yard entered fiberglass building in the mid nineties, the fast fiberglass models where named as Spertini Alalunga, while the Santa Marina yachts which still build of wood and steel was sold to Diano.  Currently the yard is closed, but this name which has its roots in Lavagna, to the South of Genova is one of the important historical Italian marques which gave shape and school of design to the modern motor yacht.

New Model: Princess Y72

Princess present the new Y72, entry level of the Y class range which spans four models from 22 to 28 meters.  The Y72 continues the long standing since 1980s Princess collaboration with Olesinski for hull lines, and gets exterior looks by Pininfarina.  The Italian house coming to work for Princess, since the 2018 introduced R35.  While the Italian design firm might seem a blink for many, it has been doing yachts since the 1980s.  Finished to high standards throughout, the new Y72s design features are comparable to those of larger Y Class yachts. Her single spacious saloon has a sociable layout with a bar area and open plan astern galley, complemented by a multi-zone Naim audio system. Eight guests are accommodated across four well-appointed en suite cabins with the full beam master stateroom accessible via a private stairway from the saloon. There is a further aft cabin with two berths for crew or occasional guests.  The Princess Y72 is powered by standard twin Man 1400hp, and or optional 1650hp engines.

Technical Data:

LOA - 22.80 m (74.9ft)

Length - 22.31

Beam - 5.45 m 

Draft - 1.72 m

Displacement - 53300kg half load

Fuel Capacity - 4500 l

Water Capacity - 909 l

Accommodation - eight guest berths in four cabins, four crew in two cabins

Engines - 2 x Man V12 1400hp, V12 1650hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 34 knots max with Man 1650hp, 30 knots with 1400hp

Project - Pininfarina exterior, Olesenski hull and naval architecture

www.princessyachts.com

Super Yacht Burns then Sinks in Olbia Yacht Marina

A 35 meter super yacht m/y Siempre went ablaze and eventually sank on 0130 of the night morning of sixth September while in its berth at the Marina di Olbia, Sardinia.  The super yacht had four crew onboard at the time, which where saved and unharmed.  The fire which is reported to have started on deck spread very fast, and took two fire fighting squads about three hours to extinguish.  Siempre eventually capsized and sank, and now leaves the environmental hurdle this type of accident brings.

M/y Siempre is a Tansu 35.2 meter Tigershark Class model build in 2010 in Turkey, with a steel hull and aluminium super structure.  Designed by Riza Tansu, this super yacht features a distinctive destroyer look and offered interior for twelve guests in five cabins, with a crew of six in three cabins, and is powered by twin Cat 1825hp engines which gave top speeds up to seventeen knots and a cruise of thirteen.  Siempre was launched as Ceylan, then renamed to Obo and last refitted in 2020. 

Tansu shipyard started operating in 1998 inspired by Pacific Northwest trawler explorer yachts, it entered yacht building in 2001 with the 26 meter Seaton Class super yacht.  

Project: Vicem 65 Classic

With three hulls already under construction, Turkish yacht builder Vicem Yachts is proud to announce the project of the restyled and re-engineered 65 Classic. To guarantee owners even more flexibility, the manufacturer will offer the yacht in either their traditional cold-molded construction, or mirroring other recent successes like the 50 Classic also in fiberglass. The advantage of the latter, among other things, is a faster delivery time for owners. Currently Vicem have three 65 Classic models under construction, with two fiberglass and one cold-molded hull in build. Vicem Yachts is well-known as one of the leading cold-molded wooden yacht builders in the world, but the company is equally accomplished at composite fiberglass construction. Fiberglass builds provide Vicem quicker turnarounds as well as easier maintenance, giving the customizable 65-footer a unique combination of style, value, performance and durability. The 65 Classic is also offered with two drivetrain choices, Volvo IPS or traditional line shaft providing the yacht a proven propulsion to achieve around a 23-knot cruising speed and top speeds exceeding 28 knots. Because the engine room is set aft under the cockpit, either installation provides the builder maximum flexibility on interior accommodations. Additionally, the engine room placement allows for significantly reduced engine noise to the accommodations deck. The new 65 Classic has a completely reworked interior whose showstopper is an optional full-beam, mid-ship master stateroom located just under the saloon. In the standard three-cabin configuration, the galley and accommodations live on the lower deck, allowing spacious seating options on the salon and through to the aft deck. Vicem took the opportunity while reworking the 65 Classic’s original design a downeast express-style yacht with high freeboard and traditional lines, this to increase the size of the already large light-gathering windows and portlights, particularly off the front and sides of the saloon. The former greatly improves the visibility from the helm while the latter provides natural light to all living areas of the boat. In addition to featuring three staterooms, two with ensuite heads, and plenty of stowage for longer trips, the 65 Classic offers a solution to suit any owner’s cruising lifestyle. Like others before it, the 65 Classic can also be ordered with a flying bridge as pictured in the rendering above.

www.vicemyachts.com

New Model: Sunseeker 88 Yacht

Sunseeker 88 Yacht has new to the brand, exterior lines and a sleek flybridge hardtop roof with an optional central opening canopy. Powered by twin MTU 1950hp as standard, she accommodates eight guests and four crew in complete luxury and comfort reaching speeds of up to 28 knots. The 88 Yacht features Sunseeker’s industry-leading ‘Beach Club’ accessed by dual teak staircases featuring recessed LED lighting. The ‘Beach Club’ transforms the area into a private outdoor sanctuary complete with an innovative X-Tend sunbed that converts to face aft at water level or when raised forward into the cockpit. Set beneath is an overhead rain shower and plentiful stowage, including dedicated lockers for two SeaBobs with charging points. The extended bathing platform is perfect for carrying a tender with an optional flybridge crane for a jet ski or similar.  The vast flybridge on the 88 Yacht enjoys a superb layout with beautifully appointed furniture on a spacious aft deck and the option of an infinity spa bath with a sun pad. It’s a brilliant space for entertaining with ample places to sit and relax thanks to companion seating adjacent to the helm and extended U-shaped seating opposite a feature wet bar with ice maker, grill and two fridges or optional drawer-refrigeration. There is also the option for fixed stools to turn this into a social bar area. The teak foredeck features another private, social space with a Portuguese bridge, a large sunbathing area and comfortable lounge seating complemented by premium teak side decks as standard. The main deck is nothing short of spectacular. Inside, there is a large forward galley that maximises an open-plan entertainment space. Owners and crew can enjoy making use of ample practical storage space, as well as a dedicated fixed breakfast bar unit with two stools, creating an additional informal dining area. The galley has a full-height premium fridge freezer and dishwasher as standard with space for wine coolers.  There is also the ability to fully close off the galley, allowing the crew to move around the yacht unnoticed with access from the lower helm on the starboard side that gives owners the chance to enjoy complete privacy. The interior exudes luxury and has clever design cues throughout that make the yacht stand out, including diagonal stainless detailing on cabinetry and doors. The layering of textural elements and the mix of furnishings and fabrics feels timeless with a modern twist with a range of colours and finishes available. Sunseeker has located the grand master stateroom central to the yacht, making the most of her substantial beam to maximise this private space. The master stateroom, enjoys a spacious dressing area with a double wardrobe and adjacent in the en suite featuring exquisite surfaces throughout are double sinks, an overhead rain shower, and plentiful stowage.

Technical Data:

LOA - 26.38 m (86.7ft)

Beam - 6.47 m

Draft - 1.95 m

Displacement - 75400 kg medium load

Fuel Capacity - 11000 l

Water Capacity - 1500 l

Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins, four crew in two cabins

Engines - 2 x MTU 10V2000 1950hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 28 knots 12 knots economic cruise

Range - 1300 nm at 12 knots

www.sunseeker.com

Project: Michael Rybovich 94 Sportfisherman

Michael Rybovich is currently building a 94 Sportfisherman, an enclosed bridge super sportfish yacht of 28 meters in length.  Sixth and largest build of the new Michael Rybovich and Sons era, this 94 Sportfisherman project was made all in house, and feature a three guest cabin interior sleeping seven, and two crew cabins forward sleeping four.  The owners midship stateroom which sleeps three with a single berth to port side, features an impressive size.  A nice detail of the Rybovich 94 Sportfisherman will also be a day-head to port side of the main deck, just to the left of the patio door.  Rybovich 94 Sportfisherman is to be powered by twin MTU 2600hp. 

www.michaelrybovichandsons.com

New Launch: Alia 55m

Alia has launched a new 55-metre.  Titled Al Waab II, this new Alia 55m is the first superyacht to be launched from the new two thousand ton capacity ship lift, part of a wider investment by the Antalya Free Zone into its yacht building infrastructure that includes bigger cranes and travel lifts as well as new hangars for superyacht construction and refit projects.  Notwithstanding the many challenges faced by Alia and other shipyards during the Covid-19 pandemic, the launch took place only a few weeks behind the original build schedule.  Alia 55m remains below the 500GT threshold by emphasizing the hull form and exterior areas, including a sprawling beach club. With design and engineering by Vripack and Dubai-based SF Yachts serving as the owner’s representative during the build, the yacht can sleep up to twelve guests in six staterooms and includes a lavish split-level master suite on the upper deck.  Once outfitting is complete, the new Alia 55m will undergo sea trials before delivery to her owner. The official World debut will take place late September 2021.

Technical Data:

LOA - 55 m (180.5ft)

Beam - 9.1 m

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

Speed - 12 knots max ten knots cruise

Hull Shape - displacement

Construction - steel hull aluminium super structure

Project - Vripack exterior and naval architecture

www.aliayachts.com

Project: Sealine S335

Sealine present the project for the S335, a sport cruiser of over ten meter in length based on the hull of the C335. The Sealine S335 will feature a standard twin cabin lower deck interior, with three lower deck layout choices, from the replaced the forward cabin with a convertible U-shaped dinette, to having a small dinette to port side or a galley. Another option in the C335 will be that for an XL extra large bathing platform, this allowing for larger tender stowage.  The Sealine C335 is standard powered by a single Volvo 340hp, and or optional 400hp and or twin 220hp.  Propulsion is stern drive and speed is 28 knots with the standard engine, or 32 knots with both the optional choices.

www.sealine.com

Custom and Series Builder Connection

Custom sportfish yachts and cruisers builders have been a success in the last two decades, not only growing in size and building bigger yachts, but also in order book, with these custom shops having a two year plus waiting list for a new build.  Today custom builders have a good share of sportfish yacht sales, most of which sell in the largest yacht market in the World of the East coast of the USA.  

Seeing this success it is a surprise how the design and expertise of custom sportfish yacht stays in that realm, and is never teased up by the production builder.  In Italy compared to USA a custom designer would over the years enter into production yacht building.  Zuccon started with Baglietto and after some years went with Posillipo and then in 1990 joined Ferretti.  Righini started with Falcon and Overmarine Mangusta and then joined Azimut in 1993.

There is sometimes a couple exception to this rule.  For those with a good memory might remember the last Ferretti Group Bertram stint in 2013, when the company gave custom sportfish yacht specialist Robert Ullberg designer and product development duties which resulted in the fall of that same year for the 60 project. Things turned out differently for Bertram in 2015 with Gavio Group purchasing the brand and the 60 remaining a project and a design.  Robert Ullberg has designed most of Paul Mann and Bayliss custom builds, and is one of the most recognized and appreciated designers for Sportfish yachts.  Another production build coming from a custom designer was the Ocean Yachts 64 Makaira launched in 2014, which was designed by Steve French Applied Dynamics, known for his work for FandS. Unlike the Bertram 60, the 64 Makaira was produced though it made it in the wrong time as a couple years later due to financial difficulty the business was sold.  The model though is still available from the current ownership. 

Year is 2020 and finally we have a new custom-production collaboration from Albermarle, who for its new sixteen meter flagship, join collaboration with renowned Carolina custom builder Spencer.  The new Albermarle 53 Spencer Edition is the largest build by the production boat builder who never went beyond to the 410 flagship model.  Unlike the Bertram 60 the Albermarle 53 Spencer Edition is going to happen with the model currently being in advanced stages of construction.  It will be interesting if following this we will see more Custom-Production collaboration, all depending on the success of the 53 Spencer Edition.