New Model: Vicem 61 Bahama Bay

Just launched at the Turkish Tuyap boat show the new Vicem 61 Bahama Bay merges classic down East lobster boat styling with the latest cutting edge technologies of Volvo IPS. The 61 Bahama Bay boasts some new twists to the traditional style yacht, and this represents the second time for Vicem, with the first being the 54 Bahama Bay also with IPS Drive system.  Constructed as most of the Vicem's with cold molding technology, a wood fiberglass hybrid which brings strength with low weight plus a custom build approach.  Interiors for hull one of the 61 Bahama Bay are finished with African woods of Khaya, Ducia, and Wenge mahogany.  The layout of the 61 gains space to the use of the Volvo pods, with a spacious lower deck having three double cabins; owners, VIP, and twin bunk, and the galley.  The midships owners stateroom surprises for its space in a lobster looking traditional yachts of this size, having a walk around double bed, and en suite bathroom.  For outside looks the 61 takes also a further step from the first model of this range thanks to the help of architect Hakki Karoglu, an owner of the first 54 Bahama Bay launched who gave some important input.  The stand out feature is for sure the all white exterior paint; but other benefit from the 54 is also the extended hard top which now covers all the cockpit.  Power is from twin Volvo 700hp with IPS pods, which deliver a 29 knots max speed, 24 cruise and a 500 nautical miles range 10 knots economic run.

Technical Data:

LOA - 18.5 m (60.8ft)

Hull Length - 17.25 m

Waterline Length - 16.38 m

Beam - 5.06 m

Draft - 1.30 m

Displacement - 29 t

Fuel Capacity - 2400 l

Water Capacity - 995 l

Accommodation - 6 guests in 3 cabins

Max Persons - 12

Engines - 2 x Volvo D9 700hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS900 pods

Speed - 29 knots max, 24 knots cruising, 10 knots economic

Range - 260 nm at 24 knots, 500 nm at 10 knots

Hull Type - hard chine Vee planning ship with 12 degrees dead rise aft

Construction - cold molded mahogany with epoxy by West System

Project - Vicem Yacht Design Team, special mention Hakki Koroglu

Certification - CE RINA B

www.vicemyacht.com

New Model: Azimut 120 SL

The 120 SL is definitely one of the most awaited models in the Azimut fleet, and considering the success of the 2003 launched S fleet this had to be expected.  The sales numbers of the Azimut S has always been impressive; with the first model the 68 sold to over fifty units in less to a year at its time, and the second the 86 over ten in the same period.  Designed as all Azimut fleet minus the Magellano range by Stefano Righini the 120 SL makes part of the Grande fleet, and is the current flagship of the Italian builders line up, although projects of a 126 tri-deck are in development stages.  The new sports flagship of Azimut as the smaller 103 SL features a sport flybridge.  Below in standard layout is space for four double guest cabins with an owners stateroom located to midships.  An enclosed galley is located in between the cabins.  Crew cabins are three sleeping from four to six located with a lobby to midships between the engine and owners room.  Power is a triple MTU engine set up of 2434hp each with water jets propulsion giving a top speed of 36 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 35.5 m (116.6ft)

Beam - 7.90 m

Draft - 1.50 m

Displacement - 148 t

Fuel Capacity - 18000 l

Water Capacity - 3000 l

Accommodation - 8 guest in 4 cabins, 6 or 4 crew in 3 cabins

Engines - 3 x MTU 16V2000 M93 2434hp

Propulsion - jet dives

Speed - 36 knots max, 23 cruise

Project - Stefano Righini

www.azimutyachts.com    

Project: Magellan 18,66 m Space

Magellan Marine is a new company founded in Liechtenstein and presents its first project model the eighteen metre Space. A list of new names surrounds this first project from this small North European country starting with the concept from Peter Mintel, naval architecture by Andrew Lea, and design by Maximillian Kolb. The Magellan Space will have an axe bow concept which according to its builder should reduce vertical acceleration by as much as 50%. Other novelties is a dual panelled glasses with integrated solar panels used for the hard top and cabin deck to fore. The Magellan Space looks like an out of the norm concept mixing live aboard solutions with a fast hull able to achieve 35 knots of top speed. The interior plan offers a twin double cabin layout, with midship owners stateroom, and VIP suite to fore. A three cabin plan is also available on request. Worth to note is that the renderings also show a very comfortable living saloon, with galley bar unit, chaise lounge, C-shaped sofa, and huge views from big windows which surround all of the main deck area. Construction will be of alloy and the production is limited up to 33 units all customisable to owners wishes. Power is from standard twin Volvo IPS900 or optional triple units of the same drive engine.

www.magellan-marine.com

Out-News = Ugly Bertram

How to start the new Out-News section here, then with a story which was much the talking in January of this year in the many boating forums in the US and later followed all around the virtual world wide web. This story involved a delamination to an only 6 months old Bertram 630 having about 500 engine hours. Bertram is one of the most respected boat builders, for when it comes to construction, sea keeping and robust builds. This picture appeared first on thehulltruth.com, but a nice review with a technical description to what might have happened is also given on yachtsurvey.com David Pascoe surveyor website. After many talking that this might finish worse then it is, with everyone speculating on the matter Bertram gave good guarantees to the owner, and he has been replaced with a boat to use for the moment and a new model currently in construction. Bertram has also declared on the yachtforums.com that this was a singular incident, and checks on other 630 have been made to guarantee this was a unique unhappy matter. Needless to say while this was an ugly accident to a nice boat, the company showed is seriousness by standing to its guarantees and keeping an owner happy.

Out-News = Volvo IPS Failure

When Volvo introduced its revolutionary forward looking IPS pod drive a couple of years ago its marketing machine concentrated on three important factors: easy handling thanks to the joystick, better performance consumption with less horsepower, and the last is that it was safer then anything due to a water tight system in case the unexpected happened. These pictures shown on the www.thailandboating.com above show an IPS pod set up failure which nearly sank a fairly new Sunseeker 47 Portofino with only ten hours on its engine clocks in December 2008. This failure accured due to the rubber gasket which is supposed to block water from coming in, and go in operation if the drives are sheared off. In this case the drives did not shear off and the gasket did not work, and only the water tight bulkhead prevented this boat from sinking. Still the consequences are that all the electronics and gen set will need changing, and the engines thanks to some lucky and fast yard repairs can be rebuilt.

Out-News = Buoy vs Bertram

Update 2. Friday 22nd January 2010

Bertram has sent a new letter to its friends saying the following that the caption accompanying underwater photographs posted on one website (Yachtforum) claims that the images were taken from a video of the boat shot on November 11, just a few days after the sinking. These photos depicting dramatic damage to the sunken boat have been used to cast doubt on the possibility the sinking was caused by a collision and to support a number of negative theories about the quality of Bertram. The fact is the sunken boat was not even located until two weeks later on November 24 by a crew contracted by the owners. It was found 1.5 miles from the point of its sinking. Between the date of the incident and when the images were captured after November 24 there was a significant tropical storm in the area with very strong winds and violent currents with the strength to toss such a wreck about and move it some distance from where it sank. Bertram also added damage to the yacht depicted in the underwater photographs taken after 24th November is totally inconsistent with the detailed description of the sinking boat provided by the captain during an interview after the incident of 6th November. The plaintiff also stated its first public statements on 14th January confirming that the Sportfish Yacht was pre-purchase surveyed, that they where the first retail owners, that MarineMax arranged for the yacht delivery from New York to West Palm Beach, that the Captain denies hitting an object, that before the sinking speed was at 25 knots with three to four foot following seas, that upon entering a wave the bow of the vessel folded back in catastrophic failure making an abrupt halt, that the boat sank in twelve minutes with the crew making four mayday calls before they abandoned ship, and that unlike the video or photos the Captain reports the transom was intact before the sinking. The plaintiff marine surveyors and naval architects indicate that the post casualty photographs show manufacturing defects which caused or contributed to the loss of the vessel. The plaintiffs also offered to avoid litigation and offered Bertram to give a comparable replacement vessel. Bertram did not give any replacement and offered to sell a demonstrator 630 with 800 engine hours for 1.8 million US$.

Update 1. Friday 18th December 2009

On Yachtforums they posted exclusive images of the wreckage taken from the owners legal defence video. It is very interesting, and seeing this the 630 looks to have considerable damage. Still this video was taken with the Sportfish Yacht about a month in the water, and apart the damage which is considerable, my point of view is that with this alone is very difficult to say if the boat was hit or had a hull failure. Bertram President Michael M. Myers also posted some new pictures of the buoy, more recent to the accident date, and stated QUOTE Examination of the buoy showed matching paint, some damage from impact, and an apparent propeller cut END QUOTE. To be correct we posted the new picture from the boat builder. The Bertram President also said the following about some court rumours QUOTE We also would like to point out that the on-line suggestion that the owner’s attorney had to get a court order to keep us from salvaging the boat is entirely false END QUOTE. Another rumour circulating is about the buoy and here we have the technical data of same as posted on The Hull Truth forums: FIGURE 1, SCDNR, 200# with REFLECTOR height: 161.0” diameter: 24.0” visibility: 125.0” weight: 200 lbs. Features:• Durable ABS plastic outer shell• Closed cell Polyurethane Foam filled• Internal and external radar reflector• color: yellow.

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This above is the Bill Perry Reef buoy in South Carolina, and subject to verification might have put down a 2006 built Bertram 630 the past November 6. The crew of two managed to survive without any harm, but the persistent rumour on the US boating forums discussing this, is that this 630 which was a stock demo from MarineMax who just found its first owner had structural damage in the bow sections which sank the twenty metre Sportfish Yacht in just ten minutes, stopping its delivery trip to Florida for shipping. Still Bertram President Michael W. Myers also declared that this buoy seems to have been hit by something, and the starboard side propellers and rudders on the wreckage which lies eighty feet at sea bottom show a damage. The above photo was taken some time after the sinking by the owners investigation team, and if this is the buoy being hit that something looks to be something very small and not a forty ton twenty metre Sportfish Yacht. At this point in time PowerYacht can't say any further but lets stay tuned on more developments, and honestly for such a great legendary brand name as Bertram which built its fortunes on sea capabilities and strong construction, I hope this is not a repeat with worse tragic consequences then the 2008 delaminated model. If this was the case more bad news would be that the US builder Italian managed company also promised a big recheck to all its boats when that delamination happened to that 2008 model. Something which apparently had not been done on all Bertram's.

TO BE UPDATED WHEN RELIABLE INFO COMES IN

Propulsion: Quickutter

Quickutter rope cutters are a revolution in propulsion safety, with a new innovative shaver design representing a significant improvement over all other cutting devices. The superior advantages of a Quickutter versus other rope cutters are that you have no loss of power, no bearings, no shock loads, and no cavitation. In four years of fittings only two have required spare parts, and only one has been broken. How is that for customer satisfaction! Fitted mostly to commercial crafts from fast fishing cats to ferries, now the leisure market is increasing its use too, from famous production up to one off builders taking advantage of the protection benefits versus other similar systems. They are also supplied for surface drives and work, sitting on top of the unit so aren't even in the water when running at speed but still cut mooring lines when you run over them whilst docking. QuicKutter is the only make of shaver cutter offering a new approach to an old problem.

www.quickutter.com

Propulsion: Seatorque Boss Enclosed Shaft System STM3 Series

The Seatorque Boss Enclosed Shaft System was introduced in 2006, but having been contacted by UK representative H4 Marine, it was decided to review this innovative propulsion system representing power development efficiency. The Boss Enclosed Shaft System has been designed in house by Seatorque’s engineering department, and the system offers ease of installation, effortless mechanical alignment, reductions in labour cost, and a 2 year or 250 hour limited warranty. With boat builders continually looking for time saving solutions during production Seatorque believes that the Boss Enclosed Shaft System can offer considerable savings and benefits. The boat owner gets a quieter boat with less service and maintenance. In short the advantages to the manufacturer and boat owner are multiple including: noise vibration reduction, routine maintenance minimised, no dripping stuffing box with bilges kept dry, increased axial stiffness greatly reducing the level of damage or risk of bending a shaft during a grounding, engine and transmission service life increased, overall propulsion efficiency improved by approximately 8% allowing for greater fuel economy at cruising speeds with increased operational range, improved hull harmonics due to reduced vibrations helps attract fish for the sportsman, construction costs slashed by 2/3Rd's, elimination of any intermediate strut cutlass bearings, no installation alignment difficulties, no post delivery engine re-alignment issues, total drive train supplier consolidation for the builder and is suitable for power and sail boats. The Seatorque Boss Enclosed Shaft System STM3 is available in 8 sizes from 100 up to the 400 model. So far its has been used by some renowned builders included Donzi Roscioli Yachts, Egg Harbor, Ocean Yachts and Fleming.

www.seatorque.com

Interview - Neil Young from H4 Marine

PowerYacht gets to chat with H4 Marine boss Neil Young. Based in the United Kingdom, Britain in Devon H4 Marine is the European dealer for three of the most innovative and efficient drive line products around, which are the Seatorque Shaft Boss System, Quickutter rope cutters, and Maritex composite bearings.

Questions PY. PowerYacht, Reply NY – Neil Young

PY. Hello Neil Young good to have you here, tell us more about H4 Marine your company and what kind of services you offer to the boater in the UK and in main land Europe?
NY – Over 4 years ago H4 Marine was set up to source and supply new technologies to boat builders, operators and users. We supply three core products to boat builders, operators and owners: The quicKutter rope/line cutter, Maritex bearings and the Seatorque shaft system. However we will be adding new products in the future so keep an eye on our website h4marine.com!

PY. Get into details about the brands you represent for Europe and the UK.
NY – QuicKutter™ started it all, and it is now proven on commercial as well as high performance vessels, as the most effective and robust debris protection cutter on the market. The RNLI have been using it for 4 years and are now removing a scissor cutter on the Severn class lifeboats to fit the quicKutter. QuicKutter is fitted as standard on all Christensen yachts, and Aqua Star 40’ and 80’ models. We have also supplied them to new Sunseeker, Hardy, Princess, Sessa and Grand Banks boats, as well as many more commercial vessels. Seatorque shaft systems came to work with H4 as the result of them looking for a cutter that would protect the seals from fishing line, without disturbing the smooth water flow achieved by putting the shaft in a tube. The Seatorque system is a complete shaft system with integral thrust bearings allowing the engine to be isolated from thrust forces. It runs the shaft in oil on needle roller and plain journal bearings. The result is more hp at the prop and a very clean water flow delivered to the prop. The user will see a quieter boat with less vibration and also lower fuel burn or engine loads at the same speeds as with a conventional drive. (Having a spinning shaft actually spins the water so that when it arrives at the P bracket it is traveling in a spiral causing some turbulence off the side of the P bracket leg.) Maritex bearings, developed in Perth by the owner of the quicKutter technology, offer a number of advantages in rudder, stern tube and stabiliser applications. For example, Maritex Aquarius is the only bearing material which resists marine growth and helps remove marine growth from the shaft. When vessels are not used for a few weeks in warm waters marine growth can leave abrasive particles which rapidly wear the bearings or shafts. You might also find Maritex bearings in superyacht crane systems where it offers low friction and a longer life whilst working at very high loads. We can machine and ship bearings 7 days a week as is often required in the commercial sector.

PY. Visiting the H4 Marine website it is easily felt a big involvement from your company and products with the professional boating world more then to the leisure one. Why is this so?
NY - I decided to target the commercial boating world with these new products first, as this is where they could really prove how effective, and more importantly how robust they were. If you have a system that is effective and easy to maintain or needs very limited maintenance when the vessel is operating for over 2000 hours a year, you know it will have no problems in a leisure boat for many years.

PY. Do you think this is a problem of cost, marketing or something else?
NY – There is something in that, however, the commercial customers provide a solid base which does not seem to be suffering any downturn, and we are slowly but surely moving into more leisure boat applications. You can expect to see more familiar names using Seatorque and Maritex over the next 12 months, either as an option or as standard fittings. And despite not having targeted the leisure boat market, we have sold several hundred quicKutters to individual owners. Part of this is due to being a supplier to the RNLI, we think.

PY. Which of the brands you represent are you most excited about?
NY – That’s a difficult question; Seatorque will be fitted to some new names in the coming months, giving the opportunity for some more good press and boat trials, which will show how efficient it is. But we are also involved with development trials for a new bearing material that could have applications in several hundred high performance ships. This is effectively a new material. We’ve recently introduced a similar material to the carbon spar makers for use as thrust and sheave bearings on very large carbon rigs for yachts over 100’.

PY. Who are the brands World wide and in Europe using Seatorque so far?
NY – So far in Europe we have Marex, which was reviewed recently by MBM, Van der Heijden a Dutch luxury steel yacht builder and Drettman. Commercially, the Port of London have ordered more pilot boats to be built by Alnmaritec with Seatorque shafts. They are also specified on another pilot boat design for Egypt that will be built in the UK. World wide we have Fleming, Dean Catamarans, Donzi yachts, Ocean yachts, Egg harbour, FandS, R and R. Many of these are US East coast builders as this is where Seatorque was developed.

PY. Which of these brands have used H4Marine knowledge to install the system?
NY – Our knowledge of vessel types and duty cycles as well as the detailed requirements of the system is there to pick up any issues that arise in the early stages. The installation itself is so simple that the standard install manual covers everything boat builders need to know. We can also draw on the experience of Peter Stolper (the inventor) who developed the system when he was building boats. He is able to give detailed technical advice on grp and aluminium construction.

PY. Considering its advantages I am still surprised to see none of the major production boat builders using this. Why do you think is this so.
NY – I think there are three reasons. Firstly, we don’t have the marketing budget of the big green engines and their pod drive options, which on paper look very attractive to customers as well as builders. Secondly, the recent downturn, which has meant a slow down in new product development, and thirdly, I honestly think that some builders want to save money in this area of the boat, as it isn’t seen much and customers have become used to the standard perception of what a smooth quiet boat is. Seatorque sets a new bench mark in terms of smooth, quiet and efficient performance.

PY. Did some of the major most renowned European or British powerboat building brands ever contacted you or expressed interest in Seatorque?
NY – Yes, they’ve also been showing a lot of interest in builders like Fleming - who had visits at Southampton boatshow from other builders looking at the installation.

PY. What efficiency ratings does a Seatorque system versus a standard line shaft drive?
NY – This is a difficult area to give figures on as it is affected by a wide range of factors. Our clearest evidence is when back to back trials were carried out on a twin 2000hp MTU set up. This showed around 5-7% reduction in fuel burn and engine loads on the same props. On the British Motor Boat Monthly test of the Marex, their figures on fuel efficiency are 25% saving over the Fairline Targa 38 at 31knots 30% saving over the Sealine SC35 at 31knots 38% saving over the Nimbus 365 Coupe at 24.5knots 50% saving over the Corvette 320 at 25knots It’s always difficult to compare different boat and drive options but these were boats MBM felt were representative in the current market against a 7 tonne 11.37m aft cabin cruiser.

PY. And versus the modern pods how do you compare?
NY – We should have some figures soon, but on paper the mechanics say we have a more efficient way to get the drive to the prop, and in terms of hydrodynamics very similar as the legs are quite thick on pods.

PY. Can Seatorque be fitted to an existent boat? And is this complicated to do?
NY – Yes we have had Seatorque retro fitted. The amount of work very much depends on the drive set up and boat design. It’s something any boat yard should be capable of doing though.

PY. How much would a system on a twin 400hp twelve meter motor boat cost?
NY – The cost is, of course, dependant on a number of factors such as length and gearbox reduction as well as hp but as a guide price a recent quote for a 14m boat with twin 575hp D9’s running 2” shafts was just over $14,000 US per boat as a one off. To a production builder fitting them as standard equipment this would be less. In a production environment there will be savings of a few thousand dollars in man hours on the shop floor. There are also savings over the warranty period as boats will not need shaft realignment or checks in this area.

PY. Are also the Maritex bearings easy to install on an existent boat?
NY – Maritex shaft bearings are a straight replacement for rubber or elastomeric shaft bearings and rudder bearings. We use a fitting system that beds the bearing on epoxy rather than press fitting it. This allows you to confirm the alignment of the carrier and stern tube. With the shaft supported you should be able to spin the bearing in the carrier on the shaft. You then simply coat the bearing in epoxy and slide in. Removal is equally simple as the type of epoxy we use softens with heat. Recent trials on some fast 56m vessels with over 6,000hp have shown noticeable reduction in noise and wear.

PY. Now tells us something more about yourself and how you happen to work in the Professional and Leisure marine industry?
NY – I trained as an Engineer back in the late 70’s in Plymouth and always had an active interest in boats and the sea, with yacht racing, windsurfing and surfing. Following a pretty good career in electronics and then telecoms - which meant I spent too much time commuting to London, Paris or Amsterdam, I took some time out and sailed my own yacht on the Atlantic circuit for a couple of years. I had considered running charters and putting my feet up somewhere hot, but I missed working with technology and new innovations (I was involved with some of the latest telecoms technology around 2000 as H4 consulting). So with all that time on my hands exploring new anchorages and covering many ocean miles I started looking for some new developments that were genuinely different, but most importantly were needed, and worked. I discovered the quicKutter™ shaft line/rope cutter and immediately bought one and set up a test rig. The cutter worked and had many advantages over the existing approach to the problem of debris caught by props. This was what started H4 and we have since added Maritex and Seatorque to our product range.

PY. What events does H4 Marine participate and how can one contact your company?
NY – We attend Seaworks in Southampton, which is in June. This year it starts today the 15 June and goes till after tommorow the 17th. You will find us on the quay side at Q6. We also attend METS in Amsterdam.
Email or phone sales@h4marine.com +44(0)1822 852466. Email any urgent requirements as these are picked up or forwarded 7 days a week.
Thank you for your time Neil and best of luck with spreading the message of your unique propulsion products.
www.h4marine.com

New Model: Heaven 80 Open

This is the first time PowerYacht presents a rib, and how about a better way to start then with a model which made the record in 2008! This is the Heaven 80 Open, an inflatable super boat presented in the latest Genoa Boat Show, measuring just close to 24 metres, a record breaking rib which impresses for its size but also for its solutions. Built in the sea of Neptune, in the South of Italian capital Rome, Heaven started producing ribs in 2002, launching at the time a semi custom big 17 metres rib inflatable boat. This new Heaven 80, as all the ribs from the company starting from 28 feet is a semi custom project, and hull number 1, had a two guest cabin layout with en-suite heads and a further vee berth forward for the crew. Other super numbers for this rib is the maximum persons capability certified for taking up to 40 persons. Speed are also on the high digits, with a max of 46 knots with the standard quadruple Yanmar 720hp coupled to Jolly Drive surface drives, but a faster twin 1800 hp option is available, this time propelled with Arneson surface drives, giving a wow factor 58 knots top speed. As is the fame for the ribs, the Heaven 80 will surely also have top class sea handling along with the thorough bred performance and the record breaking size which makes it unique in the market so far.

Technical Data:

LOA - 23.98 m (78.6ft)

Beam - 5.60 m

Displacement - 37.000 kg loaded

Max Persons - 40

Engines - 4 x 720hp, 2 x 1800hp

Propulsion - Jolly Special or Arneson Surface Drives with ZF gearboxes

Speed - 58 knots max, 50 knots cruising with 1800hp

Construction - GRP Structure, Hypalon Tubes

Project - Giorgio Garofolo

Certification - CE B

www.heavengommoni.it

Projects: Opera 70, Opera 53

Opera is a South Italian builder producing large Rib yachts from 16 to 23 metres. Its first model the Opera 60 launched in 2007 and presented officially in 2008 has been a huge success to the company and after this it is preparing the presentation of two other models the 53 and 70. Shown up here is the Opera 70, the new flagship of the Opera range, which the company taking note from the automotive industry calls also S.U.V. Sport Utility Vessel. The 70 will measure a staggering 23 metre, overall length and will also have a 3 cabin 2 head interior plus 1 crew cabin. Surprising for the new Opera model is the power options which can go from the small engine choice of twin 600hp up to a high performance twin 2200hp. The new Opera 53 will be the entry level model for this Italian builder. At 16 metres, the 53 looks similar to the successful 60 model, offering similar spaces too albeit in a smaller size. Inside the Opera 53 will offer an overnight stay accommodation, with a 4 berth single head open space loft style cabin. Power options goes from smaller twin 200hp up t0 480hp. Surprising numbers are the maximum 35 people certification, the CE A rating category, and the classification which gives all weather capability and unsinkable rating.

www.cantieriopera.it

Project: Sea Water 500 Convertible

Sea Water presents the project of its new flagship the 500 Convertible. With production and sales of its ten and thirteen metre models well on its way with outstanding results, the Italian Sardinia rib builder has decided to turn its attention to larger boats capable of satisfying the needs of more demanding customers, prompted also by the active interest and encouragement of several clients. Comforted by the good work carried out until now but well aware of the care and effort necessary to design and build such a craft, Sea Water has commenced work on a boat that represents its future, leaving nothing to chance for the construction of what will become as a flagship, the most distinctive boat of its entire range. The new big Sea Water will bring some novelties like numerically controlled modelling, vacuum infusion lamination, and follows its tradition of using state of the art materials, composites, best in components, and accessories. The 500 Convertible will also feature a modular and highly customizable deck layout capable of providing a sporty, high performance, comfortable pleasure boat or in alternative a functional and reliable maxi-tender, chase boat for maxi-yachts. Engine configurations will start at 1600hp and go all the way up to 2200hp, with surface piercing propellers, bow and stern thrusters. A spacious bathroom, a galley and a practical cabin, in the pleasure boat version or a bathroom, a staff cabin plus ample seating and storage room in the maxi-tender setup. Other on board amenities will include refrigerators, ice maker, boiler and a generator. Further optional accessories, custom fittings, and finishes can be provided to tailor a truly made to measure Rib Yacht, in accordance with Sea Water philosophy which has given it so much success. The new Sea Water flagship the 500 Convertible is scheduled to be presented the coming Spring.

www.seawater.it

New Model: Albatro 50 Tender

Albatro is an Italian builder renowned for fast performing hulls. The company located in the Northern tip of Italy has been known since the eighties for its fast competitive hulls, which also gave it a second place in the 2006 P1 championship. The 50 Tender presented in 2009 is the second of a rib line, following the launch of the 50 Tender Open in 2005. In the future the Rib Tender line will include three more models from 45 to 70 feet. The 50 Tender is also Albatro current flagship in a line of ten models which starts at six metres. This new model gets a redesigned exterior and interior which now offers two cabins versus the single of the 50 Open version. The accommodation layout of the 50 Tender offers four berths in two cabins, and a single shower head. Power option are various with the smallest being a twin FPT 440hp up to an optional triple 560hp high speed format. Propulsion is the Italian made Jolly surface drives. The Albatro 50 Tender being testimony to its high performance heritage can reach speeds up to 57 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.30 m (50.1ft)
Beam - 4.71 m includes tubes
Displacement - 13300 kg
Fuel Capacity - 1200 l
Water Capacity - 200 l
Max Persons - 14
Accommodation - 4 berths
Engines - Diesel 2 x FPT 450hp, 560hp, Yanmar 530hp, 3 x Yanmar 440hp, FPT 560hp
Gas Petrol 2 x Mercuriser 662hp
Propulsion - Jolly surface drives
Speed - 57 knots max, 45 knots cruise
Range - 300 nm
Certification - CE B

www.albatrointernational.com

Projects: Albatro 60 Tender, Albatro 70

North Italian builder Albatro after launching its 50 Tender Open model back in 2006, and updating it last year as the 50 Tender aims to upgrade its Rib Yacht and Cruiser range with a full line up from 45 to 70 feet. Pictured above is the project for the 60 Tender model which will be available in two different styles. For example you can have the 60 in the HT glass hard top or a Fly version as pictured above. Other options are for the aft deck which is available with a large central sun pad, or two C-shaped settees on the sides. Interior layout have not been communicated, but do accept a performing hull with 40 knots plus of top speeds as Albatro usually delivers this in all its models.

The Albatro 70 will be huge step for this builder which builds its current biggest boat at 50 feet. This 70 aims to put a shorter difference as seen by other boats between what is a rib and a yacht. As all rib over a certain size this term is usually the tubes in the sides and this is usually a full glass fibre boat. Although the tubes do in fact deliver a safety feature not found on a standard solid construction. But apart the nearly full glass fibre construction the above rendering does in fact show many yacht like features with deep side bulwarks, a possibility of C-shaped dinette on the fore deck, and the sports flybridge up top. As for the 60, Albatro has so far not confirmed nothing below but they do show some rendering images which suggest a two large cabins layout. Engine choices are for triple 720hp or quadruple 480hp set up propelled to Italian Jolly surface drives.

www.albatrointernational.com

Project: SACS 17.00 m Strider Z

SACS presents a most important project with the presentation of its new flagship the seventeen metre Strider Z which according to the builder features a good balance of concepts coming from the auto industry, and an interior style of a villa. You can define it a Rib for the tubes, but this soon to come SACS flagship is an evolved concept, developed on the criteria of substance. Its size at seventeen meters are dimensions of an important yacht, but its dynamic qualities are unique. Apart the essential known qualities of stability a Rib offers this project also comes with an innovative raised fully protected helm station which is separated from the lounging area and can seat four people. SACS also offers an optional hardtop version offering even better protection. Strider Z comes again from the hands of architect Christian Grande, responsible for all the latest SACS models who presented a sports and comfort mix Rib Yacht. An aft sun pad exceeding ten meters square of size welcomes you aft, and the living area is furnished with a long C-shaped sofa and two tables. The profile is characterized by the seamless integration of the tubes in the hull and a long window offers a panoramic view from the cabins. The interior is decorated with very fashionable materials, such as Travertine for the bathrooms and leather on the decks. The lower deck accommodation plan offers an owner suite, guest cabin with en-suite head, dining area with sofas, dining table and a big screen TV. Power for hull one which is presented this week in Genoa is of twin MAN 1200 hp with Arneson surface drives propulsion, which give this not so light nineteen tons Rib Yacht a 50 knots top speed.
www.sacsmarine.it

Project: Sacs 17.11m Strider Zeta R

The project of the new Sacs 17.11 m Strider Zeta R is an evolution of the Strider Z PowerYacht presented back in the past Summer 2010. As is to many Sacs designs this project comes from the hands of architect Christian Grande who presents a modern looking Rib Yacht with its striking feature being the two long windows in the hull sides, an optional hard top, and a hull design with a low centre of gravity, wide beam, and big tubes which will deliver excellent stability, and good sea keeping qualities. The new Sacs Strider Zeta R will surprise for large spaces and being the flagship of the range it has to be so. Welcoming you aboard will be ten meters square of sun pad, a large beach at stern, and two dining tables. The standard interior plan for the seventeen meter plus Strider Zeta R offers a dining room with sofa and table, and two double cabins with en-suite bathrooms sleeping four people in comfort. Standard interior fittings will be trendy modern materials as travertine in the baths and leather on the floor, but owners are allowed to choose and change in materials of there preference. Performance is synonymous with Sacs, and the seventeen meter Strider Zeta R will deliver as much from Man engines from 800 up to 1200hp combined with Arneson surface drives. With the most powerful choice the Sacs Strider Zeta R will reach a top speed of 52 knots.

www.sacsmarine.it

Class 1 - Season Preview before start at Athens

If the last two seasons have seen nerve-tingling, edge-of-the-seat climaxes to the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship – in 2007, Class 1 looks set for one of its strongest seasons to date; a competitive fleet with new teams and line-ups, three new venues: Athens (Greece), Constanta (Romania) and El Alamein (Egypt), plus the return of Oslo (Norway) along with Arendal (Norway), Doha (Qatar) and Dubai (UAE) making up an impressive calendar, and a raft of new marketing initiatives adding to the mix for what promises to be a year to enthral and captivate. Eleven boats will line up for the season-opener in Palaio Faliro-Athens, Greece on Sunday, 10 June; five are proven race-winners, seven have won a pole position and eight have also grabbed podium finishes. And with new technical rulings and a new format to the EDOX Pole Position, all of which are designed to make the racing and competition closer, the outcome of the Greek Grand Prix, let alone the 2007 title race, is impossible to predict. If a favourite or winner is hard to pick, the team to beat is not. Spirit of Norway has over the last five seasons made the title their own, but know that they will face a fierce onslaught from their rivals, all of whom are desperate to end their reign. Gjelsten and Curtis, who, with 30 wins from 74 starts, seem happy with their set-up, hint at having made one or two ‘adjustments’ but stay with their trusty V12 engine package, and both will look at the list of new pairings with great interest. Victory 77, who has pushed Spirit to the brink for the last two years, start with newcomer Arif Saif Al Zafeen taking over the wheel from Mohammed Al Marri to team up with Jean-Marc Sanchez. Qatar 95, who grabbed their first win and finished third in the title race last season have also made a switch, with Luca Nicolini taking over as throttleman to join Al-Sulaiti. And whilst Spirit’s arch-rivals Qatar 96 maintain their line-up of Sheikh Hassan Al-Thani alongside Matteo Nicolini, they have switched from the V8 back to the SKEMA V12.Jotun, who also grabbed their first win in 2006 and enjoyed their best season to date finishing fourth, maintain the all-Norwegian pairing of Tandberg and Zaborowski, but switch back to the MTI and stay with the Mercury Class 1 V8. Chris Parsonage takes on his fourth partner in as many seasons, with the 2005 Class 1 World Champion, Bard Eker, stepping into the drivers’ seat in Negotiator with Parsonage opting to run Sterling V8s. Montavoci and Cirilli, another outfit to go well last season taking their first Pole Position win and two podiums, remain unchanged in Foresti&Suardi, as does Victory 7, with Nadir Bin Hendi and Ahmed Al-Suwaidi lining up for their second season together; Nicola Giorgi is still to name his driver in SeveneleveN, but confirms he will start the season in the Cougar.Two new teams entered this year sees an all-Italian line-up with Maurizio Ceschin returning to racing alongside Class 1 debutant, Enrico Ceriale in Overwave and 19 year-old Tom Barry-Cotter becoming the youngest competitor in Class 1 for over a decade, teaming up with Norwegian Pal Virik Nilsen in Spirit of Norway 20 to form this season’s youngest partnership.
TEAMS
VICTORY TEAM (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
# 7 Victory Ahmed Al Suwaidi (D) UAE / Nadir Bin Hendi (T) UAE
# 77 Victory Arif Saif Al Zafeen (D) UAE / Jean-Marc Sanchez (T) France
VENETA MARINA – DUEMME BROKER (Italy)
# 8 Foresti & Suardi Domenico Cirilli (D) Spain / Giampaolo Montavoci (T) Italy
SPIRIT OF NORWAY RACING (Norway)
# 10 Spirit of Norway Bjorn Rune Gjelsten (D) Norway / Steve Curtis MBE (T) England
# 20 Spirit of Norway Tom Barry-Cotter (D) Australia / Pal Virik Nilsen (T) Norway
OVERWAVE RACING (Italy)
# 11 Overwave Enrico Ceriale (D) Italy / Maurizio Ceschin (T) Italy
GIORGIOFFSHORE (Italy)
# 18 SeveneleveN TBC (D) / Nicola Giorgi (T) Italy
CHRIS PARSONAGE RACING (England)
# 50 Negotiator Bard Eker (D) Norway / Chris Parsonage (T) England
UGLAND OFFSHORE RACING (Norway)
# 90 Jotun Christian Zaborowski (D) Norway / Jorn Tandberg (T) Norway
QATAR TEAM (Qatar)
# 95 Qatar Abdulla Al-Sulaiti (D) Qatar / Luca Nicolini (T) Italy
# 96 QatarHE Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani (D) Qatar / Matteo Nicolini (T) Italy

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Class 1 - Victory 77 Wins Athens Grand Prix

Victory 77 winner of the Greek Grand Prix for the Class-1 Offshore

Victory 77’s Arif Saif Al Zaffeen and Jean-Marc Sanchez led home a Victory one-two, winning today’s Greek Grand Prix ahead of team-mates Nadir bin Hendi and Mohammed Al Suwaidi in Victory 7, with Qatar 96’s Sheikh Hassan Al-Thani and Matteo Nicolini completing a clean sweep of the podium for the Middle East. Al Zafeen and Sanchez didn’t have it all their own in the early stages and were made to work hard for their win. From the start it was Victory 7 who grabbed the early lead and for the opening four laps had to fend off a strong challenge from Spirit of Norway. But on lap five, Spirit of Norway slowed and returned to the pits to replace a broken water hose. Victory 77 moved into second place and then on lap eight swept passed their team-mates, going on take a comfortable win, completing the 21-laps in 54mins 19.96secs at an average speed of 118.65mph/190.91kmh. It was a race of high attrition, and with two of the fancied boats, both running V8s suffering engine problems and going out, Negotiator on lap one and Jotun on lap 5 it was left to the Qatar team to try to mount a serious challenge. But the pace of the Victory outfits was too much, but third and fourth for Qatar 96 and 95 completed a rout of the top four positions for the Middle East teams over their European challengers. Spirit of Norway, who had rejoined the race on lap 10, were able to salvage valuable points, clawing their way back to finish fifth with Nicola Giorgi and Tomaso Polli celebrating their renewed partnership with sixth spot, in SeveneleveN. For the young Australian, Tom Barry-Cotter, his Class 1 debut was less fruitful, when he and Norwegian Pal Virik Nilsen were forced to retire Spirit of Norway 20 on lap-7 with a broken propeller.

Race results:
1. Victory 77 – Al Zafeen(UAE)/Sanchez (FR)
2. Victory 7 – Al Suwaidi (UAE)/Hendi (UAE) +00.29,40
3. Qatar 96 – Al Thani (QAT)/Nicolini (ITA) +01.29,13
4. Qatar 95 – Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) +01.32,96
5. Spirit of Norway 10 – Gjelsten (NOR)/Curtis (GB) 4 laps
6. SeveneleveN 18 – Polli (ITA)/Giorgi (ITA) + 6 laps Foresti & Suardi
8 – Cirilli (ESP)/ Montavoci (ITA) - dnf
Spirit of Norway 20 – Barry-Cotter (AUS)/Nilsen (NOR) - dnf
Jotun 90 – Zaborowski (NOR)/Tandberg (NOR) - dnf
Negotiator 50 – Eker (NOR)/Parsonage (GB) - dnf
Overwave 11 – Ceriali (ITA)/Ceschin (ITA) - dns
CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS – after race 1 of 8
1. Victory 77 – Al Zafeen(UAE)/Sanchez (FR) – 20pts
2. Victory 7 – Al Suwaidi (UAE)/Hendi (UAE) – 15pts
3. Qatar 96 – Al Thani (QAT)/Nicolini (ITA) – 12pts
4. Qatar 95 – Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) – 9pts
5. Spirit of Norway 10 – Gjelsten (NOR)/Curtis (GB) – 7pts
6. SeveneleveN 18 – Polli (ITA)/Giorgi (ITA) – 5pts
Foresti & Suardi 8 – Cirilli (ESP)/ Montavoci (ITA) - dnf
Spirit of Norway 20 – Barry-Cotter (AUS)/Nilsen (NOR) - dnf
Jotun 90 – Zaborowski (NOR)/Tandberg (NOR) - dnf
Negotiator 50 – Eker (NOR)/Parsonage (GB) - dnf
Overwave 11 – Ceriali (ITA)/Ceschin (ITA) - dns

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Class 1 - Arendal Norway Preview

The street circuit of powerboat racing, that is Arendal's Norway race which will take place this weekend. Over 200,000 people will gather in the fjords surrounding the race track hoping for a Norwegian win in what is the 10Th Anniversary for the town as a Class 1 venue.

Local's Jotun or Spirit of Norway will be the home favorites, but I am sure that UAE Dubai team Victory will have other ideas for the result of this race. The Victory team has a very successful record in Arendal, with former world champion Saeed Al Tayer taking 5 wins out of the 9 races held so far. This year started in a superb manner for the United Arab Emirates teams with Victory taking 1st and 2nd in Athens and the Qatar team taking 3rd and 4th.

The competition between locals Spirit of Norway and Victory Athens winner has already started off the course. The yellow card to the Dubai team over a squeeze start to the damage of the Norwegian team in the Athens race is pushing for further rules enforcement.

This weekend Grand Prix will take matters at it's place in the race course for the real competition.

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Class 1 - Victory wins Arendal second GP, Qatar 96 takes important second spot

Top European Team in the Arendal GP, Foresti & Suardi from Italy taking 4th place

Victory 77’s Arif Saif Al Zafeen and Jean-Marc Sanchez took their second consecutive win of the season in the Norwegian Grand Prix to move 11 points clear in the overall world championship standings. Qatar 96 took second spot ahead of Victory 7 third place and now making two podiums in two races. Starting from second spot on the front row, Victory 77 were second into the first corner behind Spirit of Norway 10, but trailed the defending champions for four laps, making little impression. Then on lap five, Spirit of Norway hit trouble and slowed, with 77 grabbing the lead and gradually extending their lead over Qatar 96 over the next eight laps to win the 12-lap, 95.72nm Norwegian Grand Prix in 53mins 59.42secs. Important second consecutive podium for Qatar 96 very much in the title hunt and moves them into second equal place in the championship with Victory 7 and in a good position to challenge Victory 77.

The first of the European teams was Foresti & Suardi, with Giampaolo Montavoci and Marco Pennesi taking an important fourth place in their first race together and on Pennesi’s Class 1 debut. Also producing an impressive showing was the youngest pairing in Class 1, Tom Barry-Cotter and Pal Nilsen in Spirit of Norway 20, finishing fifth.

Outside of the top five, there was a trail of disappointment. Bjorn Gjelsten and Steve Curtis, looked to be in control of the race on the opening laps and on course to put their title challenge back on track, when Spirit of Norway suffered a broken water hose, forcing them into the pits and despite returning to the race, were able to salvage only five points when engine problems forced them to stop. Negotiator’s miserable start to the season continued, leading the long list of retirements; SeveneleveN, Jotun, VM Foresti & Suardi and Qatar 95 all stopping with technical problems. Victory team now head to Oslo for the Scandinavian Grand Prix on August 12, leading the title race, with Arif Al Zafeen and Jean-Marc Sanchez looking to make it three wins out of three.

RACE RESULTS:
1. Victory 77 – Al Zafeen(UAE)/Sanchez (FR)
2. Qatar 96 – Al Thani (QAT)/Nicolini (ITA) + 00.43,98
3. Victory 7 – Al Suwaidi (UAE)/Hendi (UAE) + 01.06,28
4. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/ Montavoci (ITA) + 02.41,39
5. Spirit of Norway 20 – Barry-Cotter (AUS)/Nilsen (NOR) + 04.01,81
6. Spirit of Norway 10 – Gjelsten (NOR)/Curtis (GB) + 3 laps
Qatar 95 – Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) – dnf VM
Foresti & Suardi 2 – D Cirilli/K Olsen (NOR) - dnf
Jotun 90 – Zaborowski (NOR)/Tandberg (NOR) - dnf
SeveneleveN 18 – Polli (ITA)/Giorgi (ITA) – dnf
Negotiator 50 – Eker (NOR)/Parsonage (GB) - dnf
CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS – after round 2 of 8
1. Victory 77 – Al Zafeen(UAE)/Sanchez (FR) – 42pts
2=. Victory 7 – Al Suwaidi (UAE)/Hendi (UAE) – 31pts
2=. Qatar 96 – Al Thani (QAT)/Nicolini (ITA) – 31pts
4. Spirit of Norway 10 – Gjelsten (NOR)/Curtis (GB) – 16pts
5. Qatar 95 – Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) – 13pts
6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/ Montavoci (ITA) – 9pts
7=. SeveneleveN 18 – Polli (ITA)/Giorgi (ITA) – 7pt
7=. Spirit of Norway 20 – Barry-Cotter (AUS)/Nilsen (NOR) – 7pts
9. Negotiator 50 – Eker (NOR)/Parsonage (GB) – 4pts
10= Jotun 90 – Zaborowski (NOR)/Tandberg (NOR) - 0pts
10= VM Foresti & Suardi 2 – D Cirilli/K Olsen (NOR) – 0pts
(Championship points include bonus points allocated to teams for running engines for two consecutive races - one point, per engine, per race)

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Class 1 - Oslo Norway Scandinavian Grand Prix

Jotun 90 capsizes in the first corner of the Scandinavian GP

Spirit of Norway wins Scandinavian GP

Spirit of Norway won the Scandinavian Grand Prix, round 3 of the WPPA World Powerboat Championship, and put their world title defence back on track, with Victory 77 the championship leader’s, finishing second ahead of Qatar 96. But it was the first corner of the start lap that produced a spectacular incident, with the all Norwegian crew of Jotun, Jorn Tandberg and Christian Zaborowski, crashing out after taking evasive action to avoid hitting Qatar 95. Both pilots emerged unscathed from the incident with the boat suffering some damage. For Gjelsten and Curtis a win was essential to keep them in the title race, with the Anglo-Norwegian pairing also looking to complete the double in Oslo, after winning Saturday’s Edox Pole Position. Spirit of Norway pushed from the flag and despite a poor start, eventually won the drag-race down the straight to lead into the first corner ahead of Victory 77 and Qatar 96. And with clear water in front of them, were able to gradually build a solid lead, going on to complete a comfortable flag-to-finish win. Second place for Victory 77 keeps them 15 points clear in the race for the world title and now makes them odds on favourites to clinch the European title at the next race in Constanta, Romania. The battle for top six places behind the leading trio was headed by Victory 7, with the new partnership of Nadir Bin Hendi and Talib Al Sayed, making his Class 1 race debut, producing their second very credible performance of the weekend, finishing fourth ahead of Qatar 95, who despite seeing some improvements in the boats performance this weekend, still lacked the pace needed to match the front runners. Behind Qatar 95, Tom Barry-Cotter and Pal Nilsen enjoyed a second consecutive race-long battle with Foresti & Suardi but this time Spirit of Norway 20 young pairing won the battle to take their second top sixth finish of the season. But there was disappointment for VM Foresti & Suardi, heading the list of retirees, stopping on lap 11, with SeveneleveN going out on lap 7. More frustrations for Negotiator failing to make the start. Class 1 now heads to Constanta for the Romanian Grand Prix on Sunday, 2 September, where the European title will be decided, which, barring a disaster looks destined to go to Victory 77. But today’s win for Gjelsten and Curtis, posts notice to their rivals, that the defending World Champions, Spirit of Norway are back to their best and still very much in the hunt for the world title.

Race results

1. Spirit of Norway 10 – B Gjelsten (NOR)/S Curtis (GB) + 00.00,00

2. Victory 77 – A Al Zafeen(UAE)/JM Sanchez (FR) + 00.09,52

3. Qatar 96 – H Al Thani (QAT)/M Nicolini (ITA) + 01.04,29

4. Victory 7 – T Al Sayed (UAE)/N B Hendi (UAE) + 01.33,18

5. Qatar 95 – A Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) + 1 LAP

6. Spirit of Norway 20 – T Barry-Cotter (AUS)/P Nilsen (NOR) + 1 LAP

7. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/G Montavoci (ITA) + 2 LAP

VM Foresti & Suardi 2 – D Cirilli (ESP)/K Olsen (NOR) – dnf

SeveneleveN 18 – T Polli (ITA)/N Giorgi (ITA) - dnf

Jotun 90 – C Zaborowski (NOR)/J Tandberg (NOR) - dnf

Negotiator 50 – B Eker (NOR)/C Parsonage (GB) – dnf

WPPA CLASS 1 WORLD POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP – after round 3 of 8

1. Victory 77 – A Al Zafeen(UAE)/JM Sanchez (FR) – 58pts

2. Qatar 96 – H Al Thani (QAT)/M Nicolini (ITA) – 43pts

3. Victory 7 – T Al Sayed (UAE)/N B Hendi (UAE) – 40pts

4. Spirit of Norway 10 – B Gjelsten (NOR)/S Curtis (GB) – 36pts

5. Qatar 95 – A Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) – 20pts

6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/G Montavoci (ITA) – 17pts

7. Spirit of Norway 20 – T Barry-Cotter (AUS)/P Nilsen (NOR) – 12pts

8. SeveneleveN 18 – T Polli (ITA)/N Giorgi (ITA) – 8pt

9= Negotiator 50 – B Eker (NOR)/C Parsonage (GB) – 4pts

9= VM Foresti & Suardi 2 – D Cirilli (ESP)/K Olsen (NOR) – 4pts

Jotun 90 – C Zaborowski (NOR)/J Tandberg (NOR) - 0pts

(championship points include bonus points allocated to teams running engines for two

consecutive races - one point, per engine, per race)

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Class 1 - Constanta Romania Preview

Class 1 leader Victory 77 has an easy task taking Euopean championship in Romania

Mamaia, Romania’s largest Black Sea resort, is the setting for this weekend’s Romanian Grand Prix, round 4 of the WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship. The third new venue on the calendar this season, the outcome of the 2007 European title race will be settled in Romanian waters.

Spirit of Norway’s much needed win in Oslo has reignited the battle in the world championship title race, which at one point looked like becoming a runaway fight between the might of the Middle East, Victory and Qatar. But Bjorn Gjelsten and Steve Curtis proved in the last race, that when they are dialled-in, they are still the team to beat, and have no intention of conceding their world title without a supreme fight. But they are resigned to the fact that their European reign is over, with Victory the odds on favourites to regain the crown they have held four times and was last won for them by Ali Nasser and Ali Al Qama in 2004. For Spirit of Norway the focus now is setting about reducing the 22-point deficit between them and the championship leader’s. But it is Victory 77, the overall championship leader’s, who head into the race weekend poised to lift the first silverware of the season, and whilst both Qatar 96 and Victory 7 are still in with a mathematical chance, needing the win with Victory 77 to finish outside the points a scenario which seems unlikely but not impossible.

The rivalry amongst the top four, all running V12 power-plants, is fierce, with little separating them in terms of performance. Qatar 96 is enjoying their strongest start to a season since joining the championship back in 2003, looking to be real title contenders, currently lying in second place. Just off the pace of the front-runners Qatar 95, the strongest of those outfits running V8’s, and after making steady improvement to performance over the last couple of races, the team feels it is now all about optimising set-ups, before they too join the battle at the front.

The middle-order battle is intriguing, and once again likely be a dog-fight between Foresti & Suardi’s Giampaolo Montavoci and Marco Penessi and Class 1 rookies, Spirit of Norway 20 the youngsters losing out in Arendal but winning the duel in Oslo.

Further down the order, VM Foresti & Suardi and Giorgi and SeveneleveN have struggled with reliability and they will be looking to at least finish and grab points in Mamaia. Jotun and Negotiator have had agonising starts to their seasons, both failing to post points. However have shown on occasion, that when they have trouble free runs, they are very quick, especially Jotun in Oslo, who came from the second row start line to be up with front runners at the first corner before crashing out.

The European title may well be heading to Dubai, but the outcome of the first WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Grand Prix to be staged in Romania is wide open, and for the teams, a third different type of course and conditions to come to terms with this season, the 97.76Nm, 21-lap race being run on the usually calm waters of Mamaia’s Lake Siutghiol.

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Class 1 - Victory 77 wins Romanian Grand Prix and 2007 European Title

Victory 77 turns the first corner of the season by taking European title

Victory 77 took the third win of the season in an incident filled Romanian Grand Prix, round four of the WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, to clinch the 2007 WPPA Class 1 European Championship. Second place went to Qatar 96, with sister boat Qatar 95 completing the podium in third.

Following a chaotic start, with two boats appearing to go early, and despite starting from second place on the start line, Victory 77 was lying in third place at the end of lap 1, behind Negotiator, with Victory 7, out in front. They overhauled Negotiator a lap later and fought back to grab the lead on lap 6. For the next three laps, Victory 77 fought off a strong challenge from rivals Qatar 96, who had moved up through the field from fifth place on the first lap, to be challenging for the lead. On lap 10, Victory 77 took their first long-lap, but as they came off the lap, had to swerve violently to avoid Qatar 96, coming out of the turn. For the next 10 laps, Victory 77 kept a narrow advantage over Qatar 96, going on to take the win and extend their world championship lead to 19 points.

Second place for Qatar 96, the fourth consecutive podium of the season, was not enough for the duo to regain the European crown they won in 2005, but keeps them in the hunt for the overall title. Qatar 95’s first podium of the season was well deserved and hard fought for, with Al-Sulaiti and Luca Nicolini, moving from fifth place into third on lap 9.

Fourth place for Spirit of Norway was not the result they were looking for in a race that went wrong for them at the start, finding themselves down in eighth place at the end of lap 1 after starting from pole position. Having clawed their way back into fourth place, Gjelsten and Curtis then spun out on lap 7 while trying to pass Victory 7, dropping them back down the running order to sixth. And a penalty long-lap incurred several laps later for hitting a turn-buoy ended their hopes of a podium, and despite moving into third place in the title race, are now 30 points off the lead. But both Gjelsten and Curtis were clearly unimpressed and angered by the tactics used by some of their rivals. After a frustrating season so far and a difficult weekend, Negotiator produced easily it's best showing, bringing home a fifth place. Forseti & Sguardi 8, won their on-going battle with Spirit of Norway 20, finishing in sixth ahead of the Norwegian duo, with Jotun salvaging three points in eighth after breaking a propeller, with SeveneleveN and VM Foresti & Suardi picking up points in ninth and tenth. Victory 7 was the only retirement of the race, after breaking a propeller and damaging the boat.

ROMANIAN GRAND PRIX

1. Victory 77 – A Al Zafeen(UAE)/JM Sanchez (FR)

2. Qatar 96 – H Al Thani (QAT)/M Nicolini (ITA) + 00.12,12

3. Qatar 95 – A Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) + 01.33,87

4. Spirit of Norway 10 – B Gjelsten (NOR)/S Curtis (GB) + 02.10,83

5. Negotiator 50 – B Eker (NOR)/C Parsonage (GB) + 02.34,11

6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/G Montavoci (ITA) + 2 laps

7. Spirit of Norway 20 – T Barry-Cotter (AUS)/P Nilsen (NOR) + 2 laps

8. Jotun 90 – C Zaborowski (NOR)/J Tandberg (NOR) + 4 laps

9. SeveneleveN 18 – T Polli (ITA)/N Giorgi (ITA) +4 laps

10. VM Foresti & Suardi 2 – D Cirilli (ESP)/K Selmer (NOR) + 4 laps

Victory 7 – T Al Sayed (UAE)/N B Hendi (UAE) - dnf

WPPA CLASS 1 WORLD POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP – after round 4 of 8

1. Victory 77 – A Al Zafeen(UAE)/JM Sanchez (FR) – 79pts

2. Qatar 96 – H Al Thani (QAT)/M Nicolini (ITA) – 60pts

3. Spirit of Norway 10 – B Gjelsten (NOR)/S Curtis (GB) – 49pts

4. Victory 7 – T Al Sayed (UAE)/N B Hendi (UAE) – 44pts

5. Qatar 95 – A Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) – 36pts

6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/G Montavoci (ITA) – 22pts

7. Spirit of Norway 20 – T Barry-Cotter (AUS)/P Nilsen (NOR) – 20pts

8. Negotiator 50 – B Eker (NOR)/C Parsonage (GB) – 12pts

9. SeveneleveN 18 – T Polli (ITA)/N Giorgi (ITA) – 10pts

10. VM Foresti & Suardi 2 – D Cirilli (ESP)/K Selmer (NOR) – 5pts

11. Jotun 90 – C Zaborowski (NOR)/J Tandberg (NOR) - 3pts

WPPA CLASS 1 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – after round 4 of 4

1. Victory 77 – A Al Zafeen(UAE)/JM Sanchez (FR) – 75pts

2. Qatar 96 – H Al Thani (QAT)/M Nicolini (ITA) – 54pts

3. Spirit of Norway 10 – B Gjelsten (NOR)/S Curtis (GB) – 41pts

4. Victory 7 – T Al Sayed (UAE)/N B Hendi (UAE) – 36pts

5. Qatar 95 – A Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) – 28pts

6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/G Montavoci (ITA) – 18pts

7. Spirit of Norway 20 – T Barry-Cotter (AUS)/P Nilsen (NOR) – 16pts

8= SeveneleveN 18 – T Polli (ITA)/N Giorgi (ITA) – 7pts

8= Negotiator 50 – B Eker (NOR)/C Parsonage (GB) – 7pts

10. Jotun 90 – C Zaborowski (NOR)/J Tandberg (NOR) - 3pts

11. VM Foresti & Suardi 2 – D Cirilli (ESP)/K Olsen (NOR) – 1pt

(world championship points include bonus points allocated to teams running engines for two consecutive races - one point, per engine, per race)

www.class-1.com

Class 1 - Porto Marina Egypt Preview

Qatar 96 in Romania, second on the charts chase Victory 77 for 2007 title

The Class 1 fleet returns to competitive action this last October weekend, and will line up on the aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean, as Porto Marina, one of the most fashionable resorts in the Middle East, hosts the Egyptian Grand Prix, round five of the WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship and the first round of the WPPA Class 1 Middle East Championship.

The Egyptian Grand Prix is the start of an intensive period of racing for the teams, with four races in the Middle East in six weeks. And with 80 points on offer (excluding bonus points), the world title is still very much up for grabs, but the chasing pack must start taking points away from the championship leaders if they are to stay in the title race, and they must start doing it in Porto Marina.

The first half of the season has been dominated by the Middle East teams, who have kept their European rivals off the podium at all but one race, with Victory 77’ blazing a trail of supremacy and consistency, taking three wins out of four and a second place to clinch the European Championship and give themselves a healthy, but not unassailable 19 point lead in the overall title race. If they can maintain their imperious form, the title is enticingly within sight. Whilst the teammates in Victory 7, are currently lying in fourth place, and in a strong position to play a key supporting role if Victory are to regain the world crown. Qatar 96, with four podium finishes so far lead the chase, and is the only outfit who can grab the title without relying on Victory 77 to break or falter, assuming that is, that they win the next four races, a Herculean task. But Qatar 96 have the reliability and if they can find some extra pace, can pile pressure on the leaders. For the defending World Champions Spirit of Norway 10, the title appears to be slipping from their grasp. A frustrating season so far and with technical hitches restricting them to just one win, sees them 30 points off the lead. But Spirit of Norway has proved to be the fastest boat out there, but will have to hope the leaders break or drop considerable points and that they return to winning ways, if they are to successfully defend their title. Qatar 95, are the pick of the teams running V8 power-plants, and after a season of ongoing development with the Mercury and a podium last time out, appear to have hit form at a crucial time and look likely to be podium challengers from here on in. Spirit of Norway 20, the youngster of the Norwegian team also with the Mercury, will be looking to build on a solid first season together and try to find some extra pace to move them into a top six ranking. For Negotiator, bedding in Sterling V8s and Jotun, running the Mercury, a lack of reliability and some misfortune has dogged their seasons. But both teams can start to turn their fortunes around by realising their obvious pace and potential and produce strong showings in Porto Marina with a focus on grabbing some silverware in the Middle East Championship. SeveneleveN will be hoping to start the second half of the season, as they started the season, with a top six finish in Porto Marina, but with Tomaso Polli unavailable to race, Nicola Giorgi will be joined in the cockpit by Class 1 newcomer and fellow Italian, Giorgio Manuzzi. Veneta Marina-Duemme Brokers’s season has been dominated by driver changes, but Foresti & Suardi will be looking to improve on the solid performances that sees them lying in a very credible sixth place. Boat number 2, carrying the colours of new sponsor Fainplast, formerly VM Foresti & Suardi.

The race weekend starts officially on Friday 26 with the EDOX pole position, with a final practice session and the teams lining up for the 21 lap, 97.36Nm Egyptian Grand Prix in Porto Marina on Saturday, 27 October.

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