November 10, 2023

Project: Tankoa T560 Apache

Tankoa the Italian boutique super yacht yard has started construction on a 56-metre full-custom superyacht for a client who also knew no bounds. Developed by designer Alberto Mancini, the new Tankoa T560 Apache draws its inspiration from Mancini’s 76-metre T760 Apache design that was unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2021. It’s no small feat to take the features of a large yacht and translate them into a smaller package, but the Tankoa team and the Mancini studio relished the opportunity. The inception of the Tankoa T560's development took place initially at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in 2022 specifically for a young American couple, with active participation from Fraser Yachts USA Fort Lauderdale Office. The sale was successfully finalized in early August 2023 and Fraser Yachts will be also involved on the project management side during the construction.  Tankoa T560 Apache is to be build of steel with aluminium super structure, and will feature a large aft beach club which extends further in size with drop down bulkheads, and is also served by an informal dining/lounge space.  The owners stateroom is to be located on the upper deck, and will feature an office space, and a front terrace with a private personal fore-deck pool.

November 9, 2023

New Model: Marex 440 Gourmet Cruiser

Marex has at the 2023 Cannes yachting festival debuted its largest build to date with its new 440 Gourmet Cruiser.  Announced as a 420 Cruiser in 2022, the Marex 440 is designed by a joint effort from VOM creations responsible for exterior and interior, Nikl who did naval architecture, and Alpha Creations doing engineering. For this the Marex 440 Gourmet Cruiser comes as a  versatile sport cruiser set to feel at home in both Mediterranean and Nordic sea waters.  Unique features and versatility are other attributes for the Marex 440 which is also available in two main and lower deck layouts, and all three propulsion; stern drives, IPS pod drives, and shafts choice.  As unique features go the 440 has port and starboard side doors serving the pilot and guests, which coupled by the transformative abilities of the cockpit deck give the new Marex flagship something unseen in a sport cruiser measuring thirteen meters.  The deck layouts in the Marex 440 are also optionable with the Gourmet cruiser as fitted to hull one offering an astern galley on the main deck, and the Scandinavian version with L-shaped dinette and L-shaped galley opposite to starboard layout.  As for the lower deck options the Marex 440 again shows choice available in two or three cabins version.  The two cabin options will have full beam midships cabin with a double berth looking to starboard, with a relaxing sofa to port, and an en-suite head.  The head serving the forward cabin gets distinctly larger in the two cabin version with this offering an enclosed shower stall.  The Marex 440 Gourmet Cruiser is powered by twin Volvo 440hp with stern drives, or 480hp engines in IPS or line shaft propulsion.  The Marex 440 Gourmet Cruiser looks to have gotten at a glittering start with the Norwegian owner Lithuanian build new flagship model selling seven units at the Cannes boat show.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.70 m (44.9ft)
Beam - 4.27 m
Draft - 1 m exl props or drives, 1.16 m with IPS pod drives
Displacement - 13,000 kg dry
Fuel Capacity -  2 x 595 l
Water Capacity - 780 l
Max Persons - ten
Accommodation - four berths in two cabins, or six berths in three cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 440hp, D6 480hp
Propulsion - DPI sterndive 440hp, IPS650 forward looking pod drives, or V-drive shafts
Speed - 37 knots 30/25 cruise with Volvo 480hp IPS pods propulsion set up
Range - 350 nautical miles at 25 knots
Project - VOM Creations exterior and inteior, Nikl naval architect, Alpha Creations engineering
Certification - CE B

November 8, 2023

Projects: Princess S65, Princess V65

Princess present the project for a second generation S65, and a model set to replace the S66 produced from 2019.  The new Princess S65 gets the Pininfarina design treatment outside with a redesign of the upper structure, now cleaner and less busy with softer lines and the additional now fore to aft never ending hull windows.  The new Princess S65 is based on the 2023 outgoing 2019 launched S66, with an identical beam and a bit more length, and will feature the same astern galley four double cabins lower deck layout. Apart the looks the key differences in the S65 are in the aft deck, fore-deck sun-pad, and the sport-fly-bridge.  The aft deck will have a difference with the flybridge stair case now moved to port side from starboard, while to starboard side of the patio door will be an option to have a unit or an additional L-shaped settee looking aft. The fore deck sun-pad is to be split in two with a central passageway, with these offering a three movement pattern for a standard sun bathing layout, lounges with raised back, and a settee facing backwards to socialize with the forward C-shaped dinette.  The last of these changes is in the flybridge with the dinette located to starboard position and a wet-bar aft of the bridge.  The second generation Princess S65 just as the outgoing S66 is to be powered by twin Man 1400hp engines with line shaft propulsion for top speeds up to 38 knots.

The project for a new V65 will mark the fourth generation of this model, which is to be based and all but identical to the S65 but without a sport bridge.  So the V65 is the exact same as the S65, including the four double cabins and astern galley main deck layout, with the main difference that it does not feature a fly-sport bridge up top, this replaced by a larger half-roof size opening hard-top.  The V65 carries a certain history in Plymouth, with the first generation debuting in 2000 as the flagship and largest ever made Princess sport yacht in those times.  The first generation will sell very well for Princess, about fifty units in four years.  A new mark.2 which is a redesign of the first generation using the same hull but new super structure looks, fully enclosed hard-top with patio door, and a full beam owners stateroom will debut in 2005 produced till 2008.  The last third version is produced from 2018 till 2021 and features the same hull as this new version, which debuted with the S65 in 2015.

November 7, 2023

New Model: Windy 40 Camira RS

During the 2023 Fort Lauderdale boat show Windy debuted its new 40 Camira RS model, a replacement to the 39 Camira.  A twelve meter sporty cruiser, full of the Norwegian brands DNA, the Camira 40 RS comes with a full beam T-top which covers a spacious cockpit deck, which features a traditional Mediterrean layout; aft sun-pad, C-shaped dinette with opposite wet-bar, and helm station with passenger forward facing settee to port side.  Inside the Windy 40 Camira RS will feature an interior sleeping four in a two plus two cabin layout, with a V-shaped dinette which transforms to a double berth, and a double or optional twin berth at midships.  In between the berths is a galley and a shower head to starboard.  The layout is all open plan, although in the renderings the midships cabin is shown as being door bulkhead separate, so it is not understood if there is a choice to enclose this, or Windy changed the layout to open plan in production.  The Windy 40 Camira RS is powered by twin Volvo 400hp as standard, and or optional 440hp engines with stern drive propulsion for top speeds up to 44 knots.  A Windy 44 Camira SX is also available, this featuring twin 450hp or triple 300hp outboards, length overall of an extra one meter, and fuel tank increased by 300 litres to 1200. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.27 m (40.2ft) 
Beam - 3.69 m
Draft - 1.1 m
Displacement - 8000 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 900 l  
Water Capacity - 
Accommodation - four berths
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 400hp, D6 440hp, Yanmar 8LV 370hp
Propulsion - Volvo DPI or Yanmar ZT dual propeller stern drives
Speed - 44 knots max
Construction - resin infused
Project - Windy exterior, Design Unlimited interior, Hans Jorgen Johnsen naval architect
Certification - CE B 

November 6, 2023

Project: WallyPower50

Wally present the project for a new Power50, a new entry level for its Power range which currently offers the slightly larger 58 model which debuted in 2022 and the still in project Power165 behemouth.  Blending the best of the Wallypower and the iconic Wallytender ranges, the new 50 is redefining the genre with its flexibility and lengthy features list. Every inch the little sister of the successful WallyPower58, is to be present in this upcoming Power50 which exhibits the same pure Luca Bassani inspired lines. Planar surfaces, flush decks and the incomparable glass-and-carbon dome over the cockpit are the signatures of WallyPower. Drop down wings enlarge the aft deck by six square metres to offer extended entertaining space, while the aft platform brings the water closer than ever.  The Wallytender DNA betrays itself in the extraordinary flexibility the Power50 offers, suitable for almost any operational profile. The WallyPower50 offers two aft separate sunbeds which maximise deck space, while a modular seating in the cockpit can provide dining for eight, with the possibility of four more on forward-facing bench seats. Tender, weekender or chase boat the Wwallypower50 can do it all.  The WallyPower 50 will feature an elegant interior, dominated by a supremely comfortable double cabin with Wally’s famous Magic Portholes, an impeccable bathroom, and a flexible open area that can be turned to many uses.  The WallyPower50 is to be powered by twin Volvo 480hp with IPS650 pod drives for top out 36 knots speeds, and easy cruising at 30 knots. 

November 5, 2023

Pardo Yachts New Web Site

Celebrating half a century in pleasure boat and yacht building Pardo presents its new web site.  Cantieri del Pardo was founded in 1973 by Giuseppe Guiliani, in Forli concentrating in its beginnings for building quality racing sail yachts under the Grand Soleil brand.  This strategy proofs successful for Pardo, with its first model the Grand Soleil 34 designed by Finot becoming Mediterrean champion in 1974. This success is followed by the Grand Soleil 40 designed by Massimo Paperini who will win World and Europen IMS class C2 championship, and the 37 who wins the World, European, Italian, and Spanish titles twice in four years. In fifty years Cantieri dell Pardo has also characterized itself for the use of top designers; Alain Jezequel who will update all the line from 1983 till the end of that decade, German Frers who will do the same in the nineties, Bruce Farr designing the 1992 launched 64 Maxi One flagship, Doug Petterson, Jacep Jacopin, Massimo Paperini, Botin and Carkeek, Claudio Maletto, Marco Lostuzzi, and Matteo Polli.  Cantieri del Pardo will have a few ownership changes in 2006, 2008, and 2010 when it will sell to the Bavaria Group, with this selling again in 2012 to the family Trevisan.  In 2018 the two Pardo managers Fabio Planamente and Gigi Servidati will take a majority stake in Pardo, with Wise Equity taking a sixty percent share in December 2020.  In the fall of 2023 Calzedonia Group buys Cantieri Navali dell Pardo.  Pardo has also in 2020 bought motor boat builder VanDutch yachts.  Cantieri del Pardo entered motor boating production twice in its story.  The first was with the Hudson and Ricci brand from 1989 to 96, and the two 40 and 54 models designed by Wynn and Walters for hull and Fred Hudson for super structure. The second motor boating production entry came with the Pardo Yachts in 2017 debuting with the Zuccheri designed 43 model, which sold over one hundred units in its first year of production.  Currently Pardo Yachts offers eight models in three ranges, which start from the P38 of the walk around line, and go up to the GT75 which is still in project stages and set to debut in 2024. Pardo Yachts new web site is available in Italian and English language and takes you around with the following buttons; Models, Brokerage, Shows and Events, News, Company, Contacts, and Find a Dealer.  Pardo Yachts is also on social with bottom right links taking you to its Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram pages. 
Production History; (motor boats only)
Hudson & Ricci 40 1989-90 (34) *includes both generations
Hudson & Ricci 40 (ii) 1991-92 (34) *includes both generations
Hudson & Ricci 54 1993-96 (4)
43 2017-  (300  Zuccheri design, Pardo line debut
50 2018-
38 2019-
Endurance 60 2021-
GT 52 2022-

November 4, 2023

Viking 92 Beaches in Delray Beach Following Black-Out

A 28 meter Viking super sportfish yacht titled m/y Pastime under US flag with three crew onboard ended beached in the East area of Delray Beach, Florida on about 15:00 hours of Friday third November.  The 28 meter sportfish yacht lost total electric and mechanical power while underway from Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale, with the engines stopping to run and all electrical systems going in black out South of Boynton inlet, becoming an incapicated vessel, in three meter wave seas, and thirty knots Easterly winds.  As it stopped without power and already beached TowBoatU.S arrived on the scene trying to tow the yacht, with no success as Pastime snapped multiple lines in all the towing attempts, with over tens of tries in pulling the ninety tons behemoth failing both on Friday and Saturday.  Success for the towing arrived on Sunday fifth November, at about 15:15 as finally with a higher tide, and removal of fuel and liquids, Pastime was removed from Delray beach and towed for a three hour trip by TowBoatU.S to the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida.  TowBoatU.S used twenty persons and five vessels to clear the Viking sportfish, in what was a delicate, difficult, and unusual operation.  No one was injured in the beaching and operation of towing, with Pastime reported to lose power because of a malfunction to the fire suppression system which switches all electrical and mechanical systems off.  According to photos from the Viking Service Center, Pastime had both rudders bent, minimum prop damage, and a scratch to its Vee bottom.  On ten November Viking Yachts released a press statement about this beaching incident, which to be fair has little to do about them also because this a seven year old yacht. 
Pastime is a Viking 92 Convertible from the fall of 2016, hull ten and the first to launch with the open bridge layout.  The 92 Convertible offers accommodation for five double cabins sleeping ten, with two crew cabins, and is powered by twin MTU 2600hp for speeds up to 36 knots.  Launched as the Enclosed Bridge in 2014, the 92 was Viking's flagship at launch, expanding its size by ten foot from the 2009 launched 82.  21 units of the 92 have been made till 2022, with the model replaced by the Viking 90 at the start of 2023.
Previously named m/y Sweet Tuna, this Viking 92 Convertible was sold in 2022 for under nine million US$, and renamed to Pastime and according to some reports was displayed just one week ago at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale boat show as a brokerage.

Project: Benetti B.Yond Limited Edition 40 m

Celebrating 150 yeas, for 2023 Benetti is presenting a long list of projects, including of which is the B.Yond Limited Edition, a forty meter four deck explorer super yacht available to purchase for one year, starting the past July and will end on the same month in 2024.  The B.Yond Limited Edition, is based on the B.Yond 37M which debuted in 2022, with a hull extended by three meters in length, creating additional exterior spaces and volumes, especially in the upper deck.  Thanks to the extended hull the B.Yond Limited Edition will feature a stern which gets more generous dimensions and will include a sunbathing spot and a scenic infinity pool with a glass bottom.  The B.Yond Limited Edition will also be available in an exclusive elegant metallic colour called Vulcan Grey, embellished with a distinctive black shield, with a refined golden waterline gracing the yacht from stern to bow, with a gilded backlit Benetti logo adorning the sides of the Upper Deck.  The B.Yond Limited Edition just as the three meters smaller sister will offer five double guests cabins on the main deck, including an owners stateroom located forward.  The lower deck will feature five crew cabins for eight to ten crew including a large captains cabin located at midships.  In between the crew quarters is the large galley serving all the yacht and a C-shaped for the crew.  Also in the lower deck is a gym room.  Fair to advice the B.Yond Limited Edition’s layout, is supported by a host of pre-engineered solutions that are one of this series’ strengths, makes it possible to redefine the existing spaces and adapt them as alternative hospitality areas to suit the owner and guests’ specific needs.  The B.Yond Limited Edition also offers as an option the E-Mode Hybrid propulsion system, developed in partnership with Siemens Energy, which optimizes on-board energy consumption, making it the most sustainable in its segment. This innovative system offers four different operating modes, including Full Electric. This zero-emission cruising option allows the B.Yond Limited Edition to enter marine protected areas typically off-limits to motor yachts with diesel engines, offering a unique opportunity to explore ecologically sensitive areas while respecting the environment. Based on an average annual use of 1,000 hours, 400 underway and the rest at anchor fuel consumption and CO2 can be reduced by up to 24%, and NOx by a maximum of 85%.  The B.Yond Limited Edition has a range of 8,200 miles at nine knots in Eco Transfer mode, almost double the range of similarly sized explorer super yacht with the two generators off and only one internal combustion propulsion engine in operation.  As the smaller 37 meter the forty meter B.Yond Limited Edition is designed by Stefano Righini, what is the designers last project before leaving for the better World in 2021, with naval architecture for the full displacement hull by Pierluigi Ausonio.  

November 3, 2023

New Model: Sunseeker Ocean 182

Sunseeker has in the end of Summer 2023, launched its new Ocean 182 model, the enclosed bridge version developed on the Ocean 90 which debuted in 2021.  Sunseeker Ocean 182 is called for its gross tonnage volume rather then its length, and is a model designed around the North American market, were enclosed bridges are pretty popular for yachts above twenty meters in size.  Thanks to the enclosed bridge and the removal of the helm station the Ocean 182 expands the size of the entairtenment area on the main deck, freeing space for a double to size compared to the 90 relaxing sofa, with the forward area featuring a larger galley to port-side and dinning area for eight.  The helm station in the Ocean 182 is located in the enclosed bridge, which behind and fully climate controlled and protected from the environment is another large C-shaped saloon with entairtenment area opposite.  To aft of the bridge is the open part, which uses about a third of the upper deck area and features an L-shaped chaise lounge with wet-bar opposite.  For the lower deck the Sunseeker Ocean 182, features a four double cabins layout full beam but not midships located master stateroom, and a VIP suite with separate passage way forward.  Two crew cabins with a shared bathroom, and a lobby featuring a dinette and galley is located between the engine room and the guest cabins area.  The Sunseeker Ocean 182 is powered by twin Man engines from 1650 to 2000hp with top speeds up to 27 knots and a range of about 1100 nautical miles at twelve knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 27.10 m (88.9ft)
Beam - 7.16 m
Draft - 1.95 m
Displacement - 82,300 kg medium load
Fuel Capacity - 13,000 l
Water Capacity - 1500 l
Accommodation - eight berths in four cabins, three/four crew in two cabins
Engines - 2 x Man V12 1650hp, V12 1900hp, V12 2000hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 27 knots max twelve knots economic cruise with Man 1900hp
Range - 1100 nautical miles at twelve knots
Certification - CE

November 2, 2023

Fire Burns Five Boats in La Paz Mexico

A fire which broke out the early morning of second November burned down and sank five yachts from eleven to 32 meters at Marina Palmira, in La Paz, Mexico.  The fire is reported to have started on a seventeen meters Azimut yacht, which then moved to the other four burned out boats, and damaged at least five more.  Tim Prouty gave an account of the accident on the Latitude38 website, when he saw the first seventeen meters flybridge yacht starting to burn on its stern port side at about 03:00 hours early morning time.  With a soft breeze blowing starboard to port the fire eventually jumped to the next boat, then the other, until five boats totally burned down and sank, including of which, and last to get the fire a 32 meter Hatteras super yacht.  Fire fighting crew response came at about 03:30 but an hour later to this the fire had already engulfed the five boats and yacht which burned down and sank.  
The yachts in this fire are an Azimut 58 Full a model produced from 1998 to 2002, the one that looks to have started the blaze, followed by what look to be two Riviera models, and then jumping to another Azimut 43S.  The Hatteras super yacht which burned was a 2019 100 RPH m/y Optimus and hull number five, which was also the last build of this Enrico Gobbi designed series which debuted in 2013.