New Model: Viking 54 ST

With the new 54 Open Series, Viking's largest-ever express-style yacht the New Jersey boat builder gives more of everything: speed, range, accommodations, creature comforts, storage, cockpit space, fishability. The fleet consists of three Vikings: the Open (O), Sport Coupe (SC) and 54 Sport Tower (ST). The trio joins and shares hull with the 54 Convertible to complete an unmatched offering of mid-size fish-and-cruise sixteen meter Viking sportfish yacht. Each model has its own unique style, aesthetic appeal and inherent cruising and fishing benefits. The 54 Sport Tower takes fishability to the highest levels with its Palm Beach Towers hardtop and tuna tower while giving the boat an unmistakably aggressive profile. Powered with optional Man 1550hp engines and boasting a sexy Shark Grey gelcoat, hull No. 1 is a fast forty plus knots) and ferocious offshore battlewagon with a tower and Rupp hydraulic outrigger system. Her color-coordinated exterior includes matching Shark Grey for the tower’s sunshade and standing platform as well as the radar and satellite antennas and thermal imaging camera.

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.61 (54.4ft)

Beam - 5.38 m

Draft - 1.47 m

Displacement - 31856 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 5625 l

Water Capacity - 750 l

Accomodation - four berths in two cabins, or six berths in three cabins

Engines - 2 x Man V12 1400hp, V12 1550hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - forty knots max with optional Man 1550hp

www.vikingyachts.com

Project: Sunseeker Superhawk 55

Sunseeker went all guns blazing during the Cannes 2021 boat show, presenting four new models and three upcoming projects for 2022, and announcing the return of the Superhawk name since the demise of the 43 model around 2012 with this new 55 project.  With Andrea Frabetti at the helm great things are coming from the Poole based builder, and now his work is turning full circle.  The Superhawk 55 is a sixteen meter with a beam of just under five meters sport yacht, offering a spacious main deck layout with central sun-pad, and a nice central wet bar behind the centre console type helm station.  Of note is that half of the exterior is covered by an overhang, side opened hard-top, and another important detail is that the aft part from the radar arch to the stern makes also full use of the beam.  Down below the Superhawk 55 also offers nice spaces with a standard two cabins layout; owners room at midships, and guest forward, and an option for a third in replacement to the lower deck saloon to starboard.  A galley is also located below to port side in between the cabins.  Performance wise the Sunseeker Superhawk 55 will be powered by twin Volvo 725hp with IPS pod drives and speeds up to 38 knots.   The Superhawk 55 is an innovative project to come from Sunseeker, with some brilliant ideas on the main deck giving the feel of a large centre console and when launched should be one of the most good looking sport yachts in its size.  My only gripe is that with the near to five meter beam and performance numbers it is difficult to picture this model in the Hawk-Superhawk line-up, but more about this in an upcoming blogger. 

www.sunseeker.com

New Model: Fiart 39 Seawalker

 

Seeing growth in the centre console market Fiart present the second model in less to a year for the Seawalker range, and following the 43 launched in the fall of 2020, here comes the new 39 presented in a private ceremony at the builders factory in Baia, Naples in early July.  The 39 is soon to be followed by the new 35 replacing the 33 which launched the Seawalker range in 2011. The new Fiart 39 Seawalker follows where the 43 left and offers a sport cruiser mainly suited for Summer entertainment, with overnight accommodation for four persons, in a forward island double berth, and midships with two singles.  The Fiart 39 Seawalker is standard powered by twin Volvo 270hp with optional engines up to 440hp.  An outboard version is also available.  

Technical Data:

LOA - 12.61 m (41.5ft)

Beam - 3.86 m

Draft - 1.01 m

Displacement - 7930 kg

Fuel Capacity - 940 l

Water Capacity - 520 l

Accommodation - four guests

Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 270hp, 320hp, D6 440hp

Propulsion - Volvo DPI duoprop stern drive

Speed - up to 42 knots max, 34 knots max 25 knots cruise with Volvo 270hp

www.fiart.com

Hatteras Yacht Partially Sinks in Middle Bass Island

Heavy winds hindered and grounded a seventy five feet Hatteras motor yacht on Middle Bass Island on Lake Erie on the morning of twelfth September.  The cause of the accident are unknown but reports are claiming that the yacht lost its power and ended grounded and with this doing damage to the hull bottom beneath the engine room.  Unfortunately the yacht has also discharged some oil pollution from its fuel vents.  The owner was assisted by the Marine Coast Guard Safety of Detroit, Toledo section.  The Hatteras yacht was salvaged on 17 September.

The yacht in this accident is a Hatteras 75 Cockpit Motor Yacht which was released in year 2000 and produced till 2003.  Measuring over 23 meters in length the 75 Cockpit Motor Yacht offered a spacious full body main deck, and a lower deck sleeping seven up to ten in a four or five cabins and four different lower deck layout arrangement choices.  The Hatteras 75 Cockpit Motor Yacht is powered by twin Cats 1400hp, or Detroit 1480hp engines.  The Hatteras 75 Cockpit Motor Yacht, also known as the 75 Series for its two variants was also available as the Sports Deck version without the lowered aft cockpit deck.       

Project: Baglietto 40m Panam

With this project Gavio Group seems to have an identity crisis, as this listed in both Cerri CCN and Baglietto website under construction, although to be fair the yacht more looks like the later then the former, with the stern and raised pilot house all shouting out to the winged brand.  Announced as a project in Cerri's website Panam was the fifth Fuoriserie super yacht, that is before it got rebranded as Baglietto.  Baglietto 40m Panam comes from a design by Francesco Paszkowski, who took care of both exteriors and interiors, the latter in cooperation with Margherita Casprini.  Sleek and aggressive, this Baglietto stands out for her impressive performances, ensured by the aluminium alloy hull and three 2600hp MTU engines and three KaMeWa water-jet engines, which push her up to a maximum speed of 31 knots and a pleasant cruising speed of 25. All technical components, the mast and the roll bar are in carbon fibre, so as to reduce overall weight.  The straight bow endows this yacht with a a modern, dynamic and powerful look, further enhanced by the large irregular-shape windows that let plenty of natural light into the interior saloon.  The layout features a large salon on the main deck, separate from the dining area thanks to a “green” wall. Forward, the full-beam master suite is fitted with a walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom with hammam. Two folding balconies open up on the sides.  Four guest cabins are located on the lower bridge, which also hosts the professional galley. On this same deck, forward, are the captain’s cabin, 2 double cabins, the laundry and the crew mess. Behind the engine room is the semi-float-in garage storing a 17’ tender, while a pleasant beach area can be enjoyed aft, open on three sides and fitted with a beach platform transformer granting very easy access to the sea.  The fly bridge features a large aft custom-made pool with counter current swimming system, while a sunbathing area can be found at the bow.

www.baglietto.com

New Model: Benetti Motopanfilo 37M

On 29 July in Viareggio the ceremony for the launch of the first unit of the Benetti Motopanfilo 37M, whose elegant lines evoke memories of the finest nautical traditions with a contemporary twist to meet the needs of modern owners. Inspired by the Benetti “navette” from the ‘60s, the Motopanfilo 37M was conceived as a shell, reinterpreting those iconic, glamorous features and incorporating them into a timeless design across the yacht’s four decks. Lazzarini Pickering Architects designed the interiors and Francesco Struglia, in collaboration with Benetti, signed the elegant exterior lines.  Down by the sea, the transom nods to the iconic models of the Sixties in the form of a beach club allows easy access to the water. The central face of the transom, sharply inclined downwards, opens up to reveal a bathing platform surprisingly ample for a 37-meter. On the Main Deck, the tradition of wood and its enduring links with the sea have not been overlooked. In the saloon, modern-style glazed surfaces and gently curved ceilings amplify natural light thanks to the extensive use of warm wood and light colours for the floors. Towards the stern, the ceilings take on a double-curved effect, a testament to the shipyard’s excellence in craftsmanship. The owner’s suite is located toward the bow of the main deck, carrying the captivating design forward. On the Lower Deck, the respect for the innate character of each environment can be seen in the choice not to straighten the cabin walls, allowing them to follow the gentle, relaxed curve of the hull. The ubiquitous rib structure appears here with an inversion of colours and materials compared to the Main Deck. The four comfortable guest cabins amidships accommodate double beds and toward the bow, in a separate area, three cabins are dedicated to the six crew members. From the lobby, a spiral staircase winds around the central mast that rises through two decks as it accompanies guests to the sky lounge on the upper deck. The aft part of the Upper Deck is designed for convivial moments in the open air, with areas for relaxation, conversation and sunbathing. The captain’s cabin is adjacent to the wheelhouse, and on the exterior towards the bow, guests are welcomed by a Jacuzzi and sunbeds. The Observation Deck, once carved out around the main mast but on the new Motopanfilo 37M positioned above the hard top, provides a sheltered nook in the sky, absolutely intimate with a special view. The displacement hull, designed by P.L.A.N.A. PierLuigi Ausonio Naval Architecture, ensures smooth navigation and maximum comfort while onboard. The Motopanfilo 37M is powered by twin Man 1400hp  as standard or 1650hp optional units, giving maximum speeds of 16 or 18 knots respectively, with a range of 3,800 nautical miles at the 10-knot cruising speed.

Technical Data:

LOA - 36.8 m (120.9ft)

Beam - 7.8 m

Draft - 1.9 m

Displacement - 230 t

Fuel Capacity - 35000 l

Water Capacity - 4000 l
Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, seven crew in four cabins

Project - Francesco Struglia exterior, Lazzarini Pickering interior, PierLuigi Ausonio hull naval architect

Engines - 2 x Man V12 1400hp, 1650hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 16 knots max with Man 1379hp, 18 knots with Man 1626hp, ten knots cruise

Range - 3800 nm at ten knots

www.benettiyachts.it

Flybridge Cruiser Ends Aground in Les Ecrehous Jersey

A nine meter Beneteau flybridge cruiser titled m/y Orianna ended aground and atop of the Ecrehous reef in Les Ecrehous, Jersey Island, to the South of the English Channel before 11:00 hours of the morning of Friday tenth September 2021.  RNLI Jersey Coast Guard safety vessels from St. Catherine and St. Helier sped to the scene, picking the crew who in the meantime where rescued by Seafaris, who was doing its daily patrol in the area.  The crew suffered minor injuries from the impact and where taken to the Jersey main land for assessment.  Later in the day with the tide going down the Beneteau flybridge cruiser became a social media sensation, as it set at about four meters above sea water level, even though the boat was never in danger of falling over as the below photo might make you think.  With high tide coming in the following day, the Beneteau motor cruiser was recovered and taken to Gorey Harbour for repairs.

The Beneteau flybridge cruiser in this grounding is an Antares 9 model.  Designed by Andre Beneteau, the Antares 9 offered a forward double berth cabin, with a galley living area which adds an extra double berth.  The Antares 9 was produced from 2003 to 2008 coming as a replacement to the 9.05, and replaced by the Sarazin designed 30 Antares in 2009.

Project: ISA Yachts 80 Continental

ISA Yachts, a brand of Palumbo Superyachts, leader in the construction and sale of custom and semi custom superyachts, confirms that the construction of the steel hulled Continental 80 is progressing smoothly on schedule.  The interior fitting is expected to start in January 2022 with a potential delivery to the Owner in early 2024.  Enrico Gobbi of Team for Design penned the exterior lines, while the naval architecture is by Palumbo Superyachts.  The construction is an ‘on spec’ project started and financed by ISA Yachts to reduce delivery times and offer a well-established naval platform adjustable between 70 and 80 meters of length.  The ISA brand has always been synonym for excellence and quality and the 35 superyachts, between 30 and 66 metres delivered from 2002 to date, actually prove it. Project ISA Continental 80 is a very architectural yacht with well balanced volumes and ‘streamlined’ lines. Its exterior design is highlighted by squared and rigorous windows for incredible panoramic views from all the main indoor areas.  A distinctive detail is given by the terraces in the central section of the boat; in particular, the one on the Upper Deck looks like a real balcony and lets more light flood the salon.  Other strategic areas are just as brightly lit, like the gym in the Sky-lounge and the salons on the Upper and Main Deck. Another emblematic feature of this yacht is the stern infinity pool. Its rectangular shape spans the beam of the deck and stands out for its aft wall formed by 2 glass sheets with water cascading between them.  So arranged, the swimming pool leaves ample room for large sunpads and lounging, transforming this portion of the Main Deck into an extension of the actual beach area to which is connected by a flight of stairs. The Upper Deck can be considered a proper owner’s deck with lounge and living areas astern and the master suite forward. Equipped also with touch-and-go landing, the yacht ensures direct access to the owner’s quarters for maximum privacy.  The interiors will be designed by Luca Dini will have seven cabins accommodating up to twelve passengers assisted by nineteen crew members housed in ten cabins. 80 Continental is to be powered by twin MTU 3003hp engines reaching a seventeen knots maximum speed and a twelve knot cruise speed with a range of 6200 nautical miles.

www.isayachts.com

Flybridge Cruiser Partially Sinks Near Venice

A flybridge cruiser of about fourteen meters in length was found partially sank in the morning of nine September in Coarle, Darsena dell' Orologio which translated to English means the Quay of the Watch.  The flybridge cruiser was floated again on the morning of September 11, and according to unconfirmed reports the boat sank for a failure to a raw water tube, which takes water to the engine sea-water pump. Darsena dell'Orologio is located further North East from Venice, and is a marina which offers just short of five hundred berths.

The flybridge motor cruiser in this accident is a Solcio Biondi 44 Fly which was released in 1989 and produced till about the mid nineties.  The 44 was designed by Dall' Abaco and was also offered in Open version.  Solcio was the Italian dealer of Norway's Fjord boats in the eighties and having success with the range of Norwegian cruisers up to 39 feet in length, decided to enter production in collaboration with the Biondi boat yard for cruisers above that size.  The Solcio Biondi 44 first released as Open and then as Fly, had a good success with about thirty units being built in both Open and Fly versions, with the later being more popular to the previous.    

New Model: Beneteau Gran Turismo 41

The new Beneteau Gran Turismo 41 has been a successful evolution which first appeared with the Monte Carlo 37 in 2007, as the old saying says you do not change a winning horse. With this model helped by Italian designed Andreani the Beneteau motor boating section starting to have success in a size type market usually dominated by British and Italian production boat builders.  The Monte Carlo 37, became the Gran Turismo 38, then 40, and now fourteen years later into this new 41, with each evolution keeping on with the success of the previous.  If you look at the new Gran Turismo 41 layout one sees that very little has changed inside from the Monte Carlo 37, the Gran Turismo 41 evolving outside in looks and in the cockpit layout, here offering more space and becoming better with each new version.         

Technical Data:

LOA - 12.55 m (41.7ft)

Hull Length - 11.85 m

Beam - 3.85 m 

Draft - 0.94 m

Displacement - 7959 kg

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 325 l

Water Capacity - 200 l

Accommodation - four berths in two cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp, D6 380hp

Propulsion - Volvo dual propeller stern drive

Hull Shape - modified Vee with AirStep

Construction - hull monolithic polyester resin glass fibre, sandwich balsa core in side and super structure

Project - Andreani for exterior and interior, R.L. Jeantet - P. Tableau - M. Tronquez for hull

Certification - CE B/C10

www.beneteau.com