August 20, 2023

Van der Valk New Web Site

Van der Valk presents its new web site.  Van der Valk was founded in 1967 by Wim Van der Valk, with the initial success coming from building cabin and aft cabin cruisers from seven to ten meters in length of steel and aluminium.  In the 1970s Van der Valk continued its rise, introducing popular models as the Valkkruiser, Comfort, Royal, Falcon, and Super Falcon.  This success was continued when in the mid eighties Van der Valk launched the Vitesse series, and again in the nineties with the introduction of the Continental series.  In the 2000s Van der Valk started a collaboration with Guido de Groot, today added with further collaborations with Vripack, Cor D. Rover and Ginton.  In 2013 Van der Valk launched its largest build to date with the Trawler 36.80m hull no. WV0106, designed by Guido de Groot with naval architecture by Ginton.  Still managed by Wim its founder, Van der Valk operates from its production complex in Waalwijk which includes a sixty meter long aluminium construction hall, three assembly halls, painting hall, warehouse, production office, and a paved open dock which has 7000 sqm of land area and 120 meters of mooring space.  Van der Valk has in the last ten to fifteen years transformed itself to a semi-custom and custom boutique builder offering four ranges; Raised Pilothouse, Flybridge, Beachclub, Explorer, and Custom build to order line.  Currenly Van der Valk has four units under construction; starting from a Flybridge 21.27m, and going to the 35m Project Samba.  For 2023 Van der Valk has just launched the custom Pilot 34m.  Van der Valk website is available in English, German, and Dutch language and takes you around with the following buttons; Yachts, Fleet, Global, and Menu.  Van der Valk is also on social media with link buttons appearing at the bottom of the menu page taking you to its Facebook, Linkedin, Youtube, and Instagram pages. 
Production History; (semi-production only)
Beach Club 660 2020- (3

August 19, 2023

Lobsterman Saves Two Persons from Boat Fire

A lobsterman fisherman saved two boaters from a fourteen meter traditional inspired cruiser titled m/y Titan which went ablaze, some nautical miles off Sequin Island, in the coast of Georgetown, Maine on the late morning of Saturday nineteen August.  It took about an hour for the coast guard rescue vessel to arrive in the scene, and with the tender also burned, if it was not for the several lobsterman which answered the call we might be looking for two persons in the water.  The traditional lobster cruiser totally burned down in less to an hour, and sank in about sixty meters of water.  One of the two man suffered some minor burning injuries, with both men taken back to the dock.  The Coast Guard said it will inspect the scene and try to find what caused the boat fire. 
M/y Titan the traditional lobster boat inspired cruiser in this fire is a Sabre Salon Express 48.  The Salon Express 48 offeres a two large cabins lower deck layout and is powered by Cummins or Volvo 550hp and or 600hp with pod drives for speeds up to 37 knots with the large engine option.  The Sabre 48 was also added with a Fly Bridge version in 2016.

Sport Cruiser Burns in Capri

A sport cruiser of about eight meters in length with one person onboard went ablaze, while berthed in Capri's Marina Piccola, at 15:45 of Saturday nineteen August.  The person onboard the sport cruiser was reported to be a mechanic, working on an engine when fire started to come out from under the dash in the helm station.  Immediate the response of Capri's Marina Piccola berth assistance personnel, who first unmoored the sport cruiser, and towed her away to open sea where she burned down and sank.  A fire fighting squad also assisted in the boat fire, with a medical team coming to help the injured with burns mechanic who was taken to hospital for observation.
The sport cruiser in this fire is a Chapparal 290 Signature produced from 2004 to 09.  The 290 Signature offered an open layout interior sleeping six and was powered by twin 190 up to 270hp gas, or twin 200hp diesel engines with stern drives.  The 290 Signature evolved from the 280 with a different stern and tad longer bathing platform, becoming a second generation 290 with upper port holes and other minor design changes in 2010.

New Launch: Codecasa 58 Hull C127

Codecasa Shipyard is pleased to announce the launching of the new 58 meter Hull C127, which took place on the morning of Friday seventh July at their production facility of Viareggio. Titled m/y Kathryn C127 is a steel hull and aluminium superstructure super yacht of 58 meters of length over all with a modern and elegant profile, and exceptional technical performance. The technical team of Codecasa is in fact very proud of the results achieved for this super yacht with a refined and gritty line. The super yacht features a displacement hull optimized with the best techniques currently available to reach and exceed the threshold of twenty knots at light displacement, powered by twin Caterpillar engines with a range of six thousand nautical miles at twelve knots. C127 features all inhouse naval architecture by Codecasa, while her design was born from the close collaboration with the well-known architecture studio M2 Atelier in Milan. Codecasa 58 Hull C127 features an interior with an owner’s stateroom, one Vip suite and four guests suites. Crew accommodation is for a captain's cabin and six double crew cabins. Codecasa C127 features some standout features like the comfortable lift serving all decks, a beach area astern with a folding shell door that becomes a swimming platform, a Gym, and a splash pool of eight squared meters on the Sun Deck.
Technical Data:
LOA - 57.75 m (189.4ft)
Beam - 10.5 m
Draft - 3.20 m
Displacement - 830 t
Fuel Capacity - 150,000 l
Water Capacity - 30,000 l
Accommodation - twelve guests in six cabins, thirteen crew in seven cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats 3516E 3386hp
Propulsion - line shaft with five blade class S propellers
Speed - twenty knots max, twelve knots cruise
Range - six thousand nautical miles at cruise
Hull Shape - displacement
Construction - steel AH36 hull, aluminium 5083 H111/H321 super structure
Project - M2 Atelier design, Codecasa naval architecture
Certification - Lloyds 100A1 SSC Yacht Mono G6 LMC+UMS Part A full compliant

August 18, 2023

Boat Sinks Near Stintino

A traditional motor cruiser of about eight meters in length with one passenger onboard sank near Punta Negra, to the North of Stintino, North West of Sardinia on 05:00 hours of eighteen August.  The cases of the sinking are not reported, though some unconfirmed reports are saying the traditional cruiser hit the reef of Punta Negra and probably to try and save the boat decided to beach it.  The one crew was helped by nearby boaters, and then assisted by the Guardia Costiera and Fire Fighters of the area. The man was later transported by the coast guard to Stintino.
The boat in this sinking is a Sagene 28 a pilot boat inspired motor cruiser with an accommodation for two on the lower deck, and a living with dinette and galley.  The Sagene 28 was a natural evolution of the Bargo 4, and was produced from the mid eighties till the nineties.

Project: Apreamare Maestro 88

Apreamare reveals preview images for a new full-custom semi-planning super yacht destined to change the way to experience the sea: surprising volumes, timeless elegance, and superior quality of life on board, united by that sense of safety and reliability that has always distinguished the Maestro line, now masterfully reinterpreted by the Casali-Tagliavini duo. Great projects, like stories, can arise by chance, from the passionate and joyful intuitions of its protagonists, so it is in art or science, as in boating as well. This is the case for the Maestro line by Apreamare, which traces its origins to a restaurant in Genoa during the 2005 Boat Show, when the first sketches were drawn on a piece of paper. The fervent and creative mind of Cataldo Aprea conceived a motor-yacht to navigate with a modern live aboard comfort, with great style. The success of the Maestro line, the 82 sold ten units in a production run which lasted ten years from 2008 to 2020 has inspired a new challenge for the Sorrento-based shipyard, addressed to architect Marco Casali and Umberto Tagliavini as naval architect. The challenge came from a repeat Apreamare owner, eager for a larger yacht capable of guaranteeing long and safe voyages in tough conditions and a superior quality of life on board. After the initial evaluation, the shipyard and owner converged for a new flagship of over 27 metres in overall length, while remaining below the 24-metre regulatory threshold, and thus, the new Maestro 88 is born, fully customized with a semi-planning hull. While she strongly recalls the family-feeling of the previous Maestro line, the new 88 introduces innovative solutions and a fresh interpretation of style, form, and liveability, just like the new Gozzo line. Starting from design imperatives and stylistic cornerstones, which form the basis for the large and liveable cockpit and the unmistakably coordinated exteriors and interiors, Umberto Tagliavini proposed a dedicated hull geometry to tame the sea, even in adverse weather conditions, ensuring the complete safety and comfort of guests on board. Departing from her sisters in the previous Maestro line, rather than committing to planning hull, the Maestro 88 will feature a semi-planning keel optimized to cruise at eighteen knots in absolute comfort, with the possibility for a 23 knots as maximum speed. Regarding propulsion options, Apreamare Maestro 88 will come with twin Man 1600hp engines as standard, with eight thousand litres of fuel for a range up to one thousand nautical miles at ten knots. For Maestro 88 hull one, the owner chose the larger engines of twin 2,000hp Man which increase top speed by five knots. The external lines, endowed with great elegance and visual impact by the hand of Marco Casali, continuously dialogue with the indoor, which were designed to experience all around views of the sea. Compromises were not permitted in this project, resulting in continuous and direct visual contact with the outdoor. The connection with the marine element finds its natural quintessence on the large aft deck, in the bow lounge, across the sprawling beach club and through the long sliding glass windows. The expansive glazing also characterize the hull for a good part of its length, sending lots of light below deck, bringing out the chromatic games, and embellishing the marine reflections which are projected into the interiors. To solidify the sense of enhanced safety, a bow high above the water has been designed with an 80 cm rail, a pleasant frame to protect free circulation onboard, and for greater freedom of movement on deck. On the flybridge numerous spaces are to be dedicated to relaxation and boasting an elegant galley module with wet-bar, a T-Top with a light and captivating design stands out. The entire surface area of this part is covered with solar panels to power the onboard systems. For the entertainment of guests or for romantic getaways, the transom garage can house a four-metre tender and numerous water toys. The interiors are fully personalized, customizable in the number of cabins, furnishings and concept. Hull number one of the Maestro 88 will be launched with four suites, a studio and relaxation corner with an electric piano, but future owners have the option for up to five guest cabins and two for crew to accommodate a total of four. The flexibility of the Maestro 88 is a further confirmation of the Apreamare construction philosophy, operating as a “boutique” shipyard, capable of responding to any need for customization through an infinite choice of materials, essences, fabrics and colours, and thanks to the skilled hands of the internal workers, who are real artisans of excellence.

August 17, 2023

Fairline Yacht Burns Down in Krestovsky Island St. Petersburg

A 22 meter Fairline motor yacht burned and eventually sank in Krestovsky Island yacht marina, in the North West of St. Petersburg, Russia on the morning of Thursday seventeen August. Tens of fire fighters rushed to scene in both land and sea ways to control the fire with no success.  According to the reports the yacht burned when it was trying to start a generator. No one was injured in the fire, and other boats seem to have not been involved. Videos on social media pages show how the yacht quickly burned down from top to bottom in a space of fifteen minutes. The yacht semi-sank after the fire though it is considered a wreck to dispose off.
The Fairline in this fire is a Squadron 74 produced from 2003 to 07, to a design of Bernard Olesinski.  The Fairline Squadron 74 offered an interior of four double cabins and was powered by Cat or Man engines of 1500hp for speeds in around 32 knots.  The Squadron 74 was Fairline flagship at launch, selling 29 units in four years, before evolving into the Squadron 78 Custom in 2008 and selling another 86 units till 2018, making it one of the most sold yachts in its size.

Bayliner Boat Hits Pier Then Sinks in Hamilton Harbour

An eleven meter Bayliner flybridge cruiser with one person onboard was the attention of drama after it hit a pier, and later on sank in Hamilton Harbor just after 20:00 hours of Wednesday sixteen August.  The Bayliner cruiser was apparently returning to the harbor when it hit the pier and started sinking.  Hamilton Police rushed to the scene and arrested the only man onboard the boat, a 28 year old from Waterloo which was accused of operating the boat in an impaired condition.
The Bayliner in this collision is a 3870 Motor Yacht produced from 1983 to 89, and 90 to 94 in the 3888 radar arch version.  Featuring a semi planning flat-V hull shape with modest power the 3870 Motor Yacht offered a two cabins two head accommodation layout.  Bayliner sold over a thousand 3870/ 3888 Motor Yacht, with the model replaced by the 3988 Motor Yacht in 1995.

Sunseeker Yacht Ends Aground in Ilha Desert

A nineteen meter Sunseeker sport yacht with twelve persons onboard ended aground at about 02:00 hours of Thursday seventeen August, in Ilha Deserta located to the West of Faro Olhao in Portugal.  The passengers where assisted by the Portugal Maritime police, and a sixteen meter sport yacht which was traveling with the grounded super yacht. All the persons where uninjured in this grounding collision. The sport yacht was removed from Ilha Deserta a couple days later, with the help of a dagger and a tug boat, and then towed to Villamoura for repairs.  An unsuccessful attempt was made to tow the yacht away on the same evening by the other yacht, luckily not succeeding considering the minimum of damage to the propellers and rudders does create a hull breach and would have probably sunk the yacht.
The Sunseeker in this grounding is the Predator 62 model, produced from 2005 to 2008, it offers interior with three double cabins and is powered from twin engines from 1100 up to 1300hp in line shaft propulsion for top speeds in the mid thirties with the big engine option. Sold in about fifty units the Predator 62 was a replacement to the 68 and was replaced by the 64 which used the same hull and a different super structure.
The assisting sixteen meter sport yacht is a Pershing 52 produced from 2000 to 2004 to a design of Fulvio de Simoni. The Pershing 52 has an interior with three double cabins, and a choice of pwc garage or crew cabin aft, and is powered by twin Man 800 or 1000hp engines with surfaced drives for speeds up to 45 knots from the more powerful option.  The Pershing 52 came out as a replacement to the 54, and was replaced by the 50 in the fall of 2003.

New Model: Sunseeker 75 Sport Yacht

Sunseeker present the new 75 Sport Yacht, an evolution of the 74SY with improvement in every area. The new for 2023 75 Sport Yacht balances beautiful architecture with functionality and a beautiful symmetry. Dual steps lead from the bathing platform to the aft cockpit, with a tender garage capable of housing a tender just short of four meters in size. A signature walkaround step on the bathing platform elongates the yacht while providing a visual feature that creates a unique perspective from the marina. Meanwhile, access to the starboard side is improved, making full use of the side decks. Aesthetic styling is prevalent in every detail. The yacht profile turns heads with stainless steel air intake cowlings and exterior handrails, contributing to the high-quality finish. There is an enhanced material selection, with new exterior upholstery and moulding options. Adventurous buyers will be captivated by a choice of four new grey hull colours. Overall, the exterior is aggressive and imposing, with a new, angular hull and superstructure glazing design. The aft cockpit benefits from a classic seating arrangement. Popular U-shaped seating with a rise-and-fall carbon fibre table provides an intimate social area. The aft sun-pad is an ideal sunbathing space, with a large storage compartment concealed underneath. The cockpit door slides to starboard and then the door and window descend beneath the seating, uniting the cockpit with the saloon. A traditional second helm is accessible on the spacious flybridge via a stairway. Adjacent companion seating on the starboard side, adjoined by a chaise-longue sun-pad, offers an uncompromised view of the water. Complete with a wet-bar for the essentials. Meanwhile, up front there is a spacious foredeck with seating and a table for six. Cold drinks are at hand courtesy of the built-in drawer fridges whilst the broad comfortable sunpads feature tilting backrests. The design extends throughout the interior with exquisite woods, contrasting fabrics and rich lacquers, paired with indirect and dimmable lighting, create a sophisticated and striking ambience. Bold features include carbon fibre trims, sharp accent designs, reflective surfaces and stainless-steel cabinet detailing. A double-piece windscreen improves visibility and invites light into the main deck. The interior space is customisable from the material selection to the configuration. The main deck seating centres around a fold-out table on the starboard side and a large television unit on the port side in a standard arrangement, all flooded by natural light thanks to the full height glazing. The comprehensively equipped helm station is forward of the U-shaped sofa, maintaining a typical Sunseeker layout. The lower deck arrangement offers spacious accommodation for up to eight guests and two crew. A sumptuous full-beam master cabin has a dressing table fitted with storage, a chaise longue and plenty of additional wardrobe space. All three guest suites come with an en suite, and access to a shared day head is available from the lower hallway. The fully-fitted lower galley and dining space offer a social zone for intimate entertaining. With so much choice on offer, buyers can tailor their 75 Sport Yacht to fit their lifestyle perfectly. The Sunseeker 75 Sport is powered by standard Man 1550hp and or optional 1900hp engines with speeds up to forty knots from the large engines.
Technical Data:
LOA - 23.06 m (75.8ft)
Beam - 5.38 m
Draft - 1.87 m
Displacement - 46900 kg medium load
Fuel Capacity - 4800 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Accommodation - six guest in three cabins, or eight guests in four cabins, 3 crew in two cabins
Engines - 2 x Man V12 1550hp, V12 1900hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - forty knots with twin Man 1900hp, ten knots economic long range
Range - 900 nm at ten knots