June 5, 2022

New Launch: Feadship 71.10m Hull. 820

Feadship has recently launched its hull number 820, a 71.10 meter super yacht titled m/y Juice. A blend of polished stainless steel, glass and teak, this 71-metre presents a classic feel while the exterior lines showcase a sleek and captivatingly contemporary elegance. The owner who is a repeat client for Feadship, has worked tirelessly with the designers at RWD to ensure a refined exterior flow with soft lines and distinctive creases. All unnecessary elements have been removed to generate an elegant yet masculine look. Another instantly visible aspect is the walk-around superstructure along with a striking coherence between the decks on a superyacht that synthesizes Feadship’s seasoned ability to meet the most stringent demands. Peter Marino has drawn an interior which is entirely focused on using the most beautiful materials. The client devoted countless hours to finding the essential ingredients, right down to personally selecting pieces of veneer for the central staircase. This exacting attention to detail and insistence on perfection are why the owner came to Feadship: every element on board has been meticulously designed and built, with nothing left to chance.
Technical Data:
LOA - 71.10 m (233.3ft)
Beam - 11.66 m
Draft - 3.65 m
Displacement - 1,575 GT volume
Accommodation - twelve guests in six cabins, 24 crew in twelve cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU
Speed - sixteen knots max
Hull Shape - displacement
Construction - steel hull aluminum super structure
Project - RWD exterior, Peter Marino interior, Feadship De Voogt naval architect
Certification - Lloyds 100A1 Ssc Yacht G6 Eco Lmc Ums

June 4, 2022

Project: Sanlorenzo SP110

The news of Sanlorenzo building a sport yacht started to be made in 2019, two years after industry pioneer Tili Antonelli founder of not one but two industry changing brands; Pershing and Wider joined the famous Italian yacht builder.  It was news with some scattered visuals thrown in some videos during public relations meeting in boat shows, and finally just before launching Sanlorenzo is giving us information of this project which is four years in the making.  Coming from the hands of Zuccon Project, the SP110 will be Sanlorenzo sport boat in a long time.  Back in the years Sanlorenzo did make one attempt in a sport sort of yacht with the Della Rolle designed 55 produced from 1986 up to 1991 in six units, an innovative sport yacht with a raised saloon deck and interior helm station, surely inspired by Pisa Akhir 18 launched in 1982. The Sanlorenzo SP110 is a modern version of a sport yacht, and takes some ideas and looks from Sanlorenzo SX sport explorer series, and is to be available in three or four double cabins, with three crew cabins sleeping five.  A feature is the large open aft deck just above sea level, which can transform from a dinette to a sun-pad, and extend further aft with the transform platform.  After this is a with a couple steps down is a saloon lounge beach club area, like Sanlorenzo offers on the SX112, and the sister BlueGame brand.  The Sanlorenzo SP110 has a standard main deck with a separate galley, and a day head, the galley located forward splits the living main deck which offers for the most part about 80% the saloon and dining area, and to forward a helm station which has direct contact to the the three crew cabins located forward.  The Sanlorenzo SP110 is to be powered by triple 2000hp Man with jet propulsion, and is forecasted to reach top speeds up to forty knots.

June 3, 2022

New Model: Gulf Craft Nomad 70

During the 2022 Dubai boat show Gulf Craft presented the new Nomad 70, an explorer yacht of 21 meters which is set to replace both the 65 and 75 models of the same range.  Gulf Craft Nomad range was first introduced in 2011 with the 95, and the range expanding into smaller sizes over the years, first with a 75 in 2013, and then a 55 the smallest model to date presented in 2016 which is not produced anymore.  The Nomad 70 is based on the 65 SUV with an extension in length for both hull and super structure.  Accommodation in the Nomad 70 is for ten guests in five cabins, and thanks to its enclosed bridge and pilot house up top, she is at 21 meters among the smallest yacht to offer a master stateroom on the main deck, replacing the 65 SUV in this regard which also offered this unusual for its size option. The Nomad 70 will also have a rather large two crew cabins plus lobby and kitchen aft, and in the standard layout with the master cabin on the main deck it offers no full beam midships cabin.  The standard layout also finds the owners galley on the main deck to port side. The Gulf Craft Nomad 70 is powered by twin Man 1200hp engines which give a top speed up to thirty knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 21.50 m (70.7ft)
Beam - 5.54 m
Draft - 1.43 m
Displacement - 45,000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 5678 l
Water Capacity - 946 l
Accommodation - ten berths in five cabins, two to four crew in two cabins
Engines - 2 x Man V8 1200hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - thirty knots max
Project - inhouse Gulf Craft 

June 2, 2022

Riva Beaches in Istria Croatia

A sixteen meter Riva sport yacht ended up beached near Katina island, in the Kornati islands archipelago in Croatia on second June.  The cause of the accident are unknown and not reported but these waters are marked in the charts and even by a static marker to port side of this accident.  No injuries where reported and the Riva was recovered on the morning of fifth June.  The Riva sixteen meter sport yacht had damage to the hull and its running gear; P-brackets, propellers, rudders, and shafts.  
The Riva in this accident is a Rivale 52.  The Rivale 52 was launched in 2004 and produced till 2016 to a design from since 1994 Riva designer Mauro Micheli, a student of Riva's original designer Giorgio Barilani since 1985.  The Rivale 52 offered a fresh approach to Riva sport yachts above fifteen meters, looking like one of the smaller fast cruisers on steroids, this formula was repeated in the 63 Virtus and next generation 56 Rivale presented in 2017.  While looking sporty and sleek the Rivale 52 offered a three cabins accommodation with six berths two heads, and or five berths and three heads third cabin for crew layouts.  The Rivale 52 is powered by twin Man 1050hp, giving speeds up to 37 knots and over one hundred units have been made, till it was replaced in 2017 by the one meter longer 56 Rivale.

Project: Solaris Power 40 Open

Solaris Power present the project for the 40 Open, a new entry level in its power boat range, which now spans from eleven up to eighteen meters in length.  Designed by Brunello Acampora of Victory design, and the Solaris project team, the 40 follows the theme of the larger 44 and 48 Open models, for being a center console sport cruiser with usable deck space from fore to aft.  A central T-Top covers the central console here featuring a triple seat arrangement, this is followed by galley wet-bar, a dinette, and an aft sun-pad.  The Solaris 40 Open offers an interior sleeping four with a double island berth forward, and a separate twin berth cabin at midships.  The midships cabin can be replaced for an empty room, in what the yard calls the B version.  The Solaris 40 Open is standard powered by twin petrol gas engines of 280hp, with three optional diesel units of 300hp up 440hp.  Propulsion is always for Volvo stern drive units. Speeds estimates are for 31 knots with the standard engines, and goes up to 41 knots with the large engine option.

June 1, 2022

Yacht Fires Something Is Wrong

Since I started the Out-News section in 2019, fire has become the predominant accident.  Now in recent times fire is involving a majority of large motor and super yachts, most of which are crew maintained all year round, with some accidents involving not so old yachts.

The question is why are these fire happening so frequently especially in yachts which are not so old, are  big, and are crew maintained all year round.  Sometimes for us we just get the news of the fire, and as is we do not hear anything more.  The important think tank here is that lessons are learned from these fires.  Why they are happening and how to make sure they happen next to nothing, and create a means to prevent them in the future, but also a way to know before it's too late.  

The problem is that in boats more so in bigger sized yachts, it is not as easy like the auto industry, not only for the numbers, which are incomparable, but also for the customization in the systems of these yachts.  For example above a certain size, in a semi-serial production of ten units of 24 meters, you might get most of them with a different to the other electric and dometic system.

The point here is to learn, get the information from these accidents, and avoid it from happening in the future.  I hope the boating industry along with the certification societies, American Bureau of Shipping, Bureau Veritas, Lloyds, RINA, CE and NMMA for the smaller boats to name a few are doing this work in order to reduce the boats fires from happening.

May 31, 2022

Super Yacht Stuck in Pisa Bridge

A 58 meter super yacht titled m/y Idol got stuck in the bridge on its way out of the Pisa Channel, on Tuesday 31 May at approximately 1100 hours.  During the impact m/y Idol was tug towed, and had just finished a refit at the Seven Stars shipyard, which included a new paint job, bow and stern modifications, and the addition of a helipad.  Idol got stuck on the Autostrada Azzurra Bridge which in low tide has an air draft up to 11.8 meters above water level. After the accident the super yacht was berthed in Livorno with the extent of the damage reported to be minimum.  
Idol was originally launched as m/y Outback in 2007 and build in alloy by Austal Oceanfast shipyard in Australia to an inhouse exterior design and interior by Sam Sorgiovanni.  This fully custom Oceanfast 58.9 meters offers interiors with guest accommodation for twelve in six cabins, with fifteen crew in eight cabins, and is powered by twin Cat engines for a seventeen knots top speed, a cruise of fifteen, and range up to four thousand nautical miles.  Oceanfast was founded in 1988 and acquired by Austal in 1999, with m/y Idol being its second largest build to date following the 2003 launched m/y Nomad.

Monthly News - May 2022

-pic of the month- Cantiere delle Marche New Shed

Bayliss at Baker's Bay Invitational

Congratulations to the team on Blank Check on the Bayliss 75', for placing third in the Baker’s Bay Invitational! The crew racked up 1,500 points, catching two blue marlin and two white marlin, to secure 3rd place.  We would also like to highlight a recent Bayliss boatyard customer, Pescaria on a Rybovich 78, for winning the tournament with 3,250 points. The guys had two outstanding days of fishing, winning the daily on Day 1, taking 2nd place on Day 2, and receiving top angler for the tournament. Congratulations to the owner, captain and crew!

Bayliss at Los Suenos Triple Crown Leg III

That’s a wrap for the Los Sueños Triple Crown! Tarheel the Bayliss 62 ended the tournament on a high note, winning the daily on the final day of fishing. The team caught 21 sailfish and 1 blue marlin for a total of 2,600 points.  One of Bayliss yard recent customers, Max Bet on a Spencer 66, also had a strong performance at Los Sueños, winning first place for Leg III of the tournament and winning the Daily on Day 2. Across the three days of fishing, Max Bet caught 27 sailfish and 6 blue marlin. Congratulations to the anglers and crews!


Cantiere delle Marche New Construction Shed

Works on the new construction shed proceed in earnest and the new facility will be operational shortly. The new construction shed offers a large and well appointed environment while increasing CDM’s capacity and efficiency. CDM’s is expanding its facility clearly due to its order book but also to permit more efficient work for employees and subcontractors.  Rising to the right of an existing shed, measuring 60 meters long by 27 meter wide, the new hall has a height of 18 meters and is equipped with two overhead cranes with a lifting capacity of 10 tons each. It will host offices and joiner’s workshop. The new construction shed will allow addressing two 45 meters yachts at once.  “The new shed is part of our investment in the future and it secures CDM’s ability to build and deliver to our clients top quality explorer yachts on schedule,” says Ennio Cecchini, CEO of CDM.


Feadship Wins Quartet of Awards

Feadship won four prestigious prizes at the 2022 BOAT International World Superyacht Awards (WSA) on Saturday 21 May. VIVA, Somnium and Vanish triumphed in their respective categories, with VIVA taking home the ultimate accolade by winning the Motoryacht of the Year award. In its 17-year history, several cities have hosted the World Superyacht Awards, including Amsterdam, Istanbul, Florence and Monaco, but this year the ceremony has returned to London. The gala ceremony to announce the winners of the 2022 Neptune trophies was held in front of a live audience at the historical Guildhall and completely sold out. As always, the winners were decided upon solely by a panel of superyacht owners, making the prizes even more appreciated by their industry peers.


Formula Customer Experience BoatTest Videos

Recently, Capt. Steve sat down with two new owners of Formula Boats to get a feel for their “after-delivery experience.” One owner has owned 15 boats so he knows the difference between a good experience and an excellent one. The other owner is also a veteran cruiser and he had high expectations. We asked them both why they bought a Formula and then what happened after they took ownership. The answers might surprise you.    


MJM New Refined Logo

The original MJM logo served well for the first twenty years. The MJM team set out to develop our newly refined logo to better represent the yacht’s gorgeous lines, an MJM’s performance and efficiency, the new high-tech facility in Washington, NC, and our recent leaps in composite technology.  You might think that developing a new logo within a family business would be a simple and easy process. Just like the yachts produced, every aspect was considered, debated, and explored, to achieve something better.  Before our team started the graphic design process, Dad retired MJM founder Bob Johnstone was consulted. "What?! It's perfect the way it is, why mess with it". That was the gentle part of the response. A detailed email dissertation followed that explained why we were wrong, and shouldn't "fix what isn't broken".  The first round of possible logo directions landed with a thud. Dad asked if we had misplaced our common sense somewhere. Undeterred, our team felt that a path of relentless refinement of the original logo could better represent the benefits of MJM. After weeks of tweaks, we sought our founder’s input again. Ready for more blunt feedback, Dad responded unexpectedly. The new logo was not rejected, berated, or scorned. It was considered, supported, accepted, and dare we say... approved.  MJM always aim to meet the toughest standards of all; the sea, you, and Dad. We celebrate all three with this latest version of the brand identity.

MJM Removes Z

The Russian Army’s ‘Z’ invasion insignia led MJM to rethink of the use of Z.  So MJM had dropped all use of Z within its branding. The MJM models will be designated with MJM and a single, or double digit number. Single digits are day yachts and double digits are our express cruising yachts.


Nordhavn Rendezvous Breaks Attendance Record

The largest Nordhavn Owners Rendezvous (NOR) ever got underway May 10 at Victoria International Marina on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. A record setting number of Nordhavns and Nordhavn owners gathered for five days of education, camaraderie, food and fun; for many, the rendezvous served as a kick-off to cruising up to Alaska and the northwest Canadian Territories.  With 48 Nordhavns packed into the marina, it marked the most Nordhavn yachts ever gathered in the same place, although not all who attended came by boat. In total were owners of 67 Nordhavns representing 16 different models, who mingled at dock parties and cocktail events, boat hopped and attended two days of seminars. “There are so many wonderful people that I have met with such interesting cruising backgrounds and stories,” said Jill Bernard, chairman of the NOR committee and owner of Nordhavn 47 Slow Burn. “It’s been a bit of a mutual admiration society.”  


Riva Wins Confindustria Pionieri della Nautica Award

Riva has been honoured by Confindustria Nautica with the prestigious “Pionieri della Nautica” award: the award was given to Gian Paolo Vertua for the category ‘Maestranze’.  A highly regarded deck fitter and mechanic at Riva for over 41 years, Gian Paolo has devoted his entire career to recreational boating with passion and unceasing commitment.  “Pionieri della Nautica” created in 1988 and sponsored by the Italian Ministry for Economic Development, recognises outstanding people in the yachting world for their commitment, professionalism and skills.  The Jury chose Mr. Vertua for his incomparable know-how, which has left an important mark on the unrivalled quality of Ferretti Group yachts, contributing to Riva’s evolution with his eye for detail and ever-present interest in innovation.  This is an important acknowledgement for the storied Ferretti Group brand, the epitome of ‘Made in Italy’ yacht building excellence, which this year celebrates its 180th anniversary, the 60th anniversary of the launch of the iconic Riva Aquarama speedboat, and the 100th anniversary of the birth of Carlo Riva.


Rossinavi Unveil Blue Underwater Experience

On the occasion of the upcoming edition of the Milan Design Week, Rossinavi makes its debut at the Superdesign Show presenting a one-of-a-kind installation that will invite visitors to learn about phytoplankton, the inspiration for the company green projects, at the entrance of Superstudio Più. 'BluE, The Underwater Experience' will remain on show from 6 to 12 June 2022. The Italian shipyard, globally known for its manufacturing expertise and know-how in building custom made superyachts, will showcase its advanced sustainable innovations through an immersive and interactive installation, in which visitors will be able to experience life underwater.  Rossinavi has recently unveiled a new line of electric catamarans that, thanks to their battery pack and solar panels fully integrated into the design, are able to offer zero-emission navigation while cruising in full-electric mode.  The studies on this new generation of yachts are designed to offer an unparalleled experience to the Owner and his guests while surrounded by the sounds of the ocean. In a daily travel scenario, these yachts can cruise in full-electric mode, with zero emissions, up to 100% of the time, while, during a transatlantic crossing, 80% of the time. An artificial intelligence-driven control center monitors energy consumption and battery status, plus observes environmental impact, suggesting eco sustainable behaviors.  With “BluE, The Underwater Experience”, Rossinavi invites visitors to experience life underwater and learn all there is to know about phytoplankton. These tiny creatures have inhabited the planet for hundreds of millions of years and have always contributed to its welfare. Thanks to their ability to release oxygen through photosynthesis, phytoplankton can consume 11 gigatons of CO2 per year. They are small, vital and, sadly, acutely sensitive to climate change. These creatures encapsulate the magnificence of history and the fragile delicacy of life.  The philosophy of this new generation of yachts is inspired by phytoplankton, especially its ability to convert sunlight into energy for its survival. At night, the energy stored during the day is released, making the phytoplankton bioluminescent.  In fact, this line, is designed to absorb sunlight during daylight hours and convert it into energy, taking advantage of the capabilities of photovoltaics and, indeed, store and exploit clean energy thanks to its advanced technology batteries.  “Green is a vision, an education that drives us to develop sustainable technologies. This gives us the responsibility to provide the means to best enjoy the sea, immerse ourselves in its natural splendor and respect it”, states Federico Rossi, COO of Rossinavi.  The company green philosophy stems from an everlasting love for the sea of which these tiny creatures are a fundamental part, since they are responsible for life on Earth.


Sanlorenzo Alloy Wins at SuperYacht Awards 2022

Sanlorenzo is now acknowledged globally as a nautical atelier, the world's first mono-brand shipyard in the production of custom-designed and custom-built yachts and superyachts, an expression of refined luxury that combines the most advanced technologies with attention to detail and craftsmanship. Thanks to this ability to give a new meaning to the way of understanding nautical design Sanlorenzo won the World Superyacht Awards 2022 with the superyacht Alloy.  The culmination of an experimental typological developed over the years by Sanlorenzo to explore new scenarios to offer to the owner and his guests, it is a proposal capable of providing new perspectives told through collaboration with the Zuccon International Project studio, for the exterior lines, and the Christian Liaigre studio for the interiors.  Sanlorenzo Alloy is a 44.5-metre long fast-displacement model, entirely in aluminum, with a layout that moves away from the traditional layout of spaces to take the concept of livability on board to the max. The owner's cabin is the emblem of this innovative approach: conceived as a 147 msq private apartment, it is organized on three interconnected levels, with an indoor and an outdoor area.  A superyacht that opens up to the seascape by offering astonishing spaces to be experienced both indoors and, above all, outdoors: from the sun deck, which with its 83 msq outdoor area offers multiple possibilities for relaxation and socializing, to the large 102 msq beach club that opens up on three sides, allowing for a full connection with the sea.  The collaboration between the Sanlorenzo team and Bernardo Zuccon, who oversaw the design of the exterior lines, made it possible to conceive, design and build a 490 GRT three-deck yacht that retains sleek, core lines but at the same time offers megayacht solutions.  Sanlorenzo's ability to give meaning to the way of understanding nautical design, to give life to bespoke projects, realized on the specific needs of the client, continues to reward Sanlorenzo with new successes at an international level.


Silent Resorts Begin Construction

Ushering in a new era for Caribbean vacation home communities, SILENT-RESORTS and EcoIsland Development announce Club Ki’ama Bahamas, the world’s first equity club to offer ultra-sustainable solar residences and carbon neutral solar yachts. Club Ki’ama is located within the new Ki’ama Bahamas enclave on Elizabeth Island, minutes from Great Exuma. It represents a one-of-a-kind co-ownership opportunity that combines luxurious solar-powered, oceanfront homes with a fleet of solar-powered and crewed yachts, as well as electric day boats, a beach club, spa and restaurant. 


Tecnorib Pirelli Wins Red Dot Award

One year after its launch, the Pirelli 35 has won one of the most significant design awards in the world: the international jury of the Red Dot Award, composed of famous architects and designers who have selected the most innovative and interesting projects since 1955, have chosen TecnoRib's Walkaround line in the "Product Design" category. TecnoRib's Walkaround line, produced and distributed under license as part of the PIRELLI DESIGN project, now features three models and continues to garner acclaim worldwide with its aerodynamic look and unparalleled, contemporary style, which pairs the highest levels of power and class. The rugged model is the result of the historic collaboration between the shipyard and the Mannerfelt Design Team, which stemmed from the desire to increase the level of elegance in this product range. This came to fruition with an instantly recognisable design and extreme attention to detail that has made these refined, high-performance models famous throughout the world, from Europe to Australia.


Van der Valk Commendation Award

Van der Valk is delighted to announce that Lady Lene, launched last year for repeat clients, has been given a prestigious Judges Commendation at the World Superyacht Awards in the category for Semi-Displacement or Planning Motor Yachts (30-34.9m). The results of the 17th edition of these leading industry awards were announced at a glittering ceremony and gala dinner in London.  As well as being superb recognition for Van der Valk craftsmen and engineers, Lady Lene’s commendation is a triumph of cooperation for the higher echelons of the Dutch superyacht sector: Ginton Naval Architects, Diana Yacht Design and Guido de Groot Design all played a key role in creating this aluminum tri-deck explorer. Special thanks are also due to Carla Guilhem for creating an exceptional interior design and, of course, the owners. Their faith in Van der Valk to create such a fully-custom project has been rewarded and the Dutch shipyard is currently building another new bespoke boat for the same family.


VanDutch Centers Opening Across the Continent

VanDutch Yachts inaugurates four VanDutch Centers in the most worldwide iconic locations all across Europe and US. Cantiere del Pardo is committed to redefine the yacht owners’ experience. These are the new flagship sites of VanDutch brand: offices renowned for luxury, elegance, and glamour, overlooking breathtaking water views.  VanDutch Center Saint-Tropez is opening on 26th May 2022, VanDutch Center Lake Garda is opening on 11th June 2022, VanDutch Center Miami, and VanDutch Center Balearics opening coming soon.  


Viking On The Hill in Washington

The Center for Sportfishing Policy hosted its annual “Center Focus on Washington” on Capitol Hill last week. The event brought recreational fishing and boating industry leaders together to participate in important discussions with key policymakers. As in years past, CSP co-hosted the event with the American Boating Congress, the marine industry’s premier political and legislative event, hosted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).  Also at the meeting, Viking’s Justin Healey (far right) was instated to a three-year term on the Board of Directors. “I’m humbled to be part of an incredible team of industry leaders like Matt Bridgewater from Gemlux, Joe Neber from Contender and NMMA President Frank Hugelmeyer as well as many of our other integral vendors and partners. We are representing millions of Americans who have a passion for recreational saltwater fishing. Our goal is to support the marine economy, fight for anglers and promote sustainable fishing.”  Issues addressed with Congress and Senate included conserving lands and waters, enhancing recreational infrastructure, enforcing the Modern Fish Act, improving access to Atlantic Red Snapper and many other topics. Justin also spent time with Arkansas Congressman Bruce Westerman discussing supply chain challenges and the difficulty of Selective Catalytic Reduction system restrictions for sportfishing manufacturers.

Viking 2022 Hero Walk

Team Matt Uhl hosted a barbecue dinner fundraiser in Matt’s honor with all proceeds supporting the 2022 Hero Walk. The Hero Walk and Campaign are dedicated to preventing drunk driving deaths and injuries by promoting the use of responsible, sober designated drivers. Matt was a 22-year-old Rowan University senior when he was heartbreakingly killed in 2013 after being hit by a drunk driver. His dad Al Uhl is Viking’s Vice President of Manufacturing. Team Matt participates in the Hero Walk every year and consistently holds the title of Top Team for raising money for the cause. 

Viking Marlin Madness Champs

Congratulations to the Viking 92 High Cotton on their win in Marlin magazine’s Marlin Madness. They not only won the Gulf Coast Division to get to the Final Four but continued on to bulldoze their way to the Championship Round. Way to go! And thanks to you for showing your Viking support along the way. This is the 2nd year in a row a Viking claimed the top spot. Do we smell a trifecta for 2023?

Viking at Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic

Matt McDonald’s Viking 72 Breathe Easy claimed 2nd Place Billfish Release honors at the Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic. With captain Patrick Ivie at the wheel, Craig Smith released two blue marlin while Matt, Doug Fletcher and Brian Lieser each released a single for a total of five blues. Fishing on the Viking 58 Rising Sons, Daniel Landry weighed the heaviest tuna of the event – a 139-pound yellowfin.

May 29, 2022

Sport Yacht Fire in Syracuse Sicily

A sport yacht of about nineteen meters in length went ablaze on the night early morning of 29 May at approximately 00:44 hours at the Marina Yachting marina, located in the natural harbor of Syracuse, in the Eastern Ionian coast of Sicily.  Upon reports of the fire the Syracuse Coast Guard and the Fire Fighting squad dispatched two boats; CP323 and a fire fighting tug boat, with other units coming from the land side to control the fire.  The fire left one of the marina staff needing medical assistance for toxicity, caused by smoke inhaling from trying to turn off the flames.  The sport yacht sank two hours later, with the harbor Coast Guard starting the procedure to protect the area from environmental damage.  The sport yacht was reported as being on charter, with the cause of the fire having unconfirmed reports that it started from exploding batteries.
The nineteen meter sport yacht in this fire looks a Sessa C68, designed by Christian Grande and released in 2010.  The C68 offers interior layouts for three or four double cabins plus a crew cabin for two.  The C68 is powered by twin Volvo 900 or 1000hp engines with IPS pod drives and is able to reach top speeds up to 36 knots, although the first hulls which precede the large IPS drives where powered by twin Volvo 700hp with IPS and or Man 1360hp and line shaft propulsion.  The Sessa C68 was modernized in 2018 with window glazing replacing the circle shaped port holes.  A Sport Fly version presented as a project in 2013 never actually materialized. The C68 was replaced as Sessa's flagship by the slightly larger, and wider Fly 68 Gullwing in 2018.

Seneca Boat Fire Injures Fifteen

A Carver motor cruiser of twelve meters in length injured fifteen while it engulfed in flames and later exploded while fueling at Spring Brook Marina, Seneca, Illinois River, seventy miles to the South of Chicago at about 16:20 hours of Saturday 28 May.  Fourteen of the persons injured where onboard the boat which had seventeen passengers, while another injured person was a marina employee.  One of the persons suffered grievous injuries and was air lifted to a local hospital.  Before the fire and explosion the boat was reporting as having engine problems and returned to the marina to refuel.
The boat in this fire is a Carver 405 Aft Cabin produced from 1997 to 98 and renamed as 406 with very minor differences from 99 to 2002.  The Carver 405 Aft Cabin has a two cabins layout with a lower deck located galley, a master suite located aft, and a forward double guest cabin with offset double berth forward.  The 405/406 Aft Cabin features a modified medium-V hull shape, and was powered by twin Mercruiser 380hp gas engines and or Cummins 330 or 370hp diesel in line shafts.  Speeds where up to mid twenties with the optional Cummins diesels.  The Carver 405 Aft Cabin was a redevelopment of 1990 to 96 produced 370 Aft Cabin with integrated bathing platform and updated styling.