09/2010 -

One of the “Must” of next Cannes and Monaco Boat Shows, the Moonen 97 Livia is the third ship of the serie. Her superb displacement hull, as always signed René van der Velden and Diana Yacht Design, is based on the Moonen 84 (read also our article Moonen 84 Contemporary style), fetish model of the dutch shipyard. The “one more room” concept is pushed to the extreme. Thanks to the remarkable work of Art-Line Interiors, we arrive at 5 cabins including three doubles … a feat! A fourth jewel, carved in the same mold, will be launched in 2011.

“With this new Moonen 97 Livia, we have once again managed a remarkable exercise in style,” says the shipyard. Coming behind Darsea the first 97 feet of the serie, a finalist for a price of super-prestigious yacht, was a challenge. So much that the Technical Specifications of both yachts are almost the same. The draft is certainly a little higher (2.20 against 2.18 m), cruising speed up to 10 knots true instead of 9, autonomy is certainly higher (4500 instead of 4000 nM ), the rest does not change. The length is 30 meters sharp, the weight is 185 tons and the engine is a pair of Caterpillar of 650 hp each. And the noise and vibration? Moonen has solved this recurring problem met on steel and aluminum boats. A comprehensive program of mitigation of noise pollution was carried out to overcome these inconveniences. The walls of Livia incorporate the best of acoustic insulation in order to keep 50% extra space between the ends of the propeller blades and the bridge. At anchor, too, the yacht is a joy thanks to the “zero speed” stabilizers ..

An exclusive style

Same as the one of Darsea, the hull of the Moonen 97 Livia is clean and sleek, very characteristic, with its flared front and double staircase overlooking the bathing platform at the rear. It is the interior that mainly changes. The yacht style is mixing the charm of a New England house and an Amercian seaside villa. Program: tanning, swimming, outdoor dining, maybe a little fishing and rest, still rest. “The owners were so happy at the launching of Livia that they wished to share their happiness, of course with exclusive circle of guests,” confirms the shipyard. It was therefore natural to expose this unit at boat shows such as Cannes and Monaco, centers of the nautical jet-set. Up to now, nothing has been decided regarding the charter. We only know that the boat will be exclusively available in Europe. To be continued…

The capacity of a globe-trotter

Beneath its false air of “pocket super-yacht”, the Moonen 97 Livia is a true cruiser. Her steel hull is in category A, or “high seas”, and it is perfect for long journeys. The fuel tank is exceptional, with its almost 28,000 liters, providing the boat a transatlantic range. The superstructure is aluminum. Resistant, light and timeless, it hosts a huge sun deck. It features a panoramic living room covered with bar, beautiful U-sofa and location for two tenders. The saloon below is extremely spacious and the yard has made a big effort to make life aboard comfortable and chic. For example, the master stateroom is equipped with a generous dressing. In addition, all rooms, including VIP, are with an en suite bathroom.

There’s no doubt: Livia takes the path of Darsea or Moonen 84, the best-seller of the shipyard.

NauticNews.comTech Specs of Moonen 97 Livia

The range of Moonen Shipyard on NauticNews

Tags : Moonen - René van der Velden - Diana Yacht Design - Art-Line Interiors - Moonen 84 - Moonen 97 Darsea - Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes - Monaco

Photo Credit : Moonen Shipyards bv

-KL-

08/2010 -

Yann Guichard and his crew on Groupe Edmond de Rothschild have won the third round of the 2010 Extreme Sailing Series™ in Kiel with a race to spare – an unusual occurrence on this circuit that normally sees every event go to the wire in the final double points race.  However, there was no stopping Guichard who took control of the German event yesterday, unseating Britain’s Mike Golding from the top of the leaderboard. Today the French team scored four 1st places and two 4th places in the six fleet races: “I think that’s the best event we have ever done,” said Guichard. “We were in the match since the first day, our manoeuvres got better and better and the last two days were almost perfect. We enjoyed ourselves onboard and the results speak for themselves. Sometimes, like today, things just go well - we could have had 10 races today and I’m sure it would’ve been just as fine!”

The Extreme Sailing Series™ Kiel event, supported by Kiel.Sailing City, delivered tough and tricky racing conditions for the 9 competing teams who rose to the challenges and entertained the 65,000 strong crowd that lined the Kiellinie shoreline over the four days.

Conditions were similar to yesterday – big rain squalls bringing big gusts, then decreasing wind – and there was plenty of action on the short race courses resulting in numerous penalties. There was a collision between Red Bull Extreme Sailing and The Wave, Muscat in the third race of the day in a port/starboard incident approaching the weather mark – the impact was so loud it was heard inside the VIP enclosure! Neither team incurred major damage and carried on racing with Roman Hagara’s team awarded a 4-point redress as they sat out the next race to affect repairs to their bow on the water.

The all-British team on Ecover, having led for the first two days, had to settle for 2nd place overall and that was not without a fight. At the start of the final day they were lying in third behind Oman Sail Masirah, skippered by Loick Peyron. But good fighting tactics saw them move into 2nd overall after two races which they managed to cling on to: “It was a really good event for us and, more importantly, we are moving forward our expectations in the overall series which is great,” said Golding. “We had one slightly shaky day here but we see a continuous improvement which is important. There’s no secret, it’s all about team work and training, and it’s paying now.”

The battle for 3rd place then developed between the two Omani teams of Oman Sail Masirah and The Wave, Muscat. Paul Campbell-James, skipper of The Wave, finally got the upper hand in the penultimate race moving into 3rd overall with 120 points, 1 point ahead of Masirah. In the final double points race, Loick Peyron had the advantage but ‘CJ’ fought back to finish ahead and take 3rd place on the podium.

Mid-leaderboard Mitch Booth on The Ocean Racing Club continued to dominate, finishing on equal points with Masirah, but awarded 5th place overall on countback. Red Bull Extreme Sailing, involved in so much of the action here today, finished in 6th place on 99 points, ahead of Groupama on 92 points, helmed by Tanguy Cariou whilst Franck Cammas demolished the Round Britain & Ireland course record on his Groupama VO70.  A ‘home’ team battle raged between the German ‘wild card’ entries of Team Wirsol Germany, with the young skipper Tino Mittelmeier at the helm, and the Audi Sailing Team Germany which facilitates training for the 2012 Olympics. Going into the final day, only 1 point separated the two teams to Audi’s advantage, but a spectacular win in the second race of the day for Team Wirsol Germany – that sent the thousands of spectators ecstatic – helped them overhaul their compatriots.

Next stop for the 2010 Extreme Sailing Series™ is Trapani, Sicily over the 24-26 September, the penultimate event of the circuit: “I’ve never been to Trapani, we’re going to race in the harbour so maybe it will be comparable to Almeria,” commented Guichard. “At this time of the year there should be some thermal breeze so conditions should be pleasant and we can expect a good fight.”  Yann Guichard now has two wins under his belt (Séte and Kiel) and Paul Campbell-James one (Cowes). “I think we clearly demonstrated that we’re a force to be reckoned with for the Overall Series victory,” said Guichard. “We’re now more than halfway into the season, and with this second event win we take a psychological advantage as well as one in terms of points, so we’re very happy.” From the performance here in Kiel it looks like Guichard’s campaign is gathering steam – can anyone stop the ‘express train’ now?

Extreme Sailing Series™ Kiel Overall Results
1st Groupe Edmond de Rothschild 167 points
2nd Ecover Sailing Team 142 points
3rd The Wave, Muscat 128 points
4th Oman Sail Masirah 125 points
5th The Ocean Racing Club 125 points
6th Red Bull Extreme Sailing 99 points
7th Groupama 40 92 points
8th Wirsol Team Germany 67 points
9th Audi Sailing Team Germany 61 points

Extreme Sailing Series™ 2010 Overall Standings
1st Groupe Edmond de Rothschild 22 points
2nd The Wave, Muscat 20 points
3rd Ecover Sailing Team 19 points
4th Oman Sail Masirah 17 points
5th Red Bull Extreme Sailing 10 points
6th Groupama 40 9 points
7th The Ocean Racing Club 8 points
8th Team GAC Pindar* 3 points

* Team GAC Pindar was unable to attend the Kiel event but will be back competing in the remaining two events in Trapani (Sicily) and Almeria (Andalucia).

Photo Credit: Paul Wyeth/ OC Events

Tags on NauticNews.com: Extreme Sailing Series - ISAF - Extreme 40

- PR -

08/2010 -

After the Imperial Regattas, Corsica had to organize a racing rally with old rigs. This is done with the first Corsica Classic to be held from August 30 to September 5 2010. This race is a friendly regatta open to all “Yachts of tradition”CIM and gauged the “Spirits of Tradition” gauged IRC 2010. Rediscovering Kalliste ” The most beautiful in greek” and the magnificence of old rigs, the course stages (between 25 and 37 nautical day) were designed to offer a vision of the island as it appeared to its discoverers.

From a Genoese tower to another, the steps lead to the “faithful” city Calvi, in the Gulf of Porto, Piana creeks and the impressive red granite cliffs of Girolata, the imperial city of Ajaccio, Propriano and the Gulf, to the Straits of Bonifacio, whose steep cliffs seem like a balcony leaning over infinite. The race will end in Porto-Vecchio. The third city of Corsica has long been known for its beaches (Palombaggia ) and also became a large marina.

Many classic yachts faithful to Corsica, Moonbeam of Fife, Sunshine, Cervantes, Yen
Li, Swanee, Serena, Giraglia have confirmed their participation.

Program and informations

Photo credit : Tibocom

-PR-

08/2010 -

A project featuring the unmistakeable Ferretti style, coupled with revolutionary lines and space.

Ferretti Yachts presented Ferretti 720 Project, an innovative project developed from the working relationship between Studio Zuccon International Project (read also our interview of Mr Gianni Zuccon), AYT – Advanced Yacht Technology, the Group’s naval research and design centre, and the Group’s Centro Stile, a team of skilled architects and designers who constantly research aesthetic and functional solutions.

“The new project originates from the innovative concept of which Ferretti 800 was the first example,” (read also the presentation of Ferretti 800) comments Alessandro Tirelli, Ferretti Yachts Brand Manager, “or better, the ability to create a balance between the classical-contemporary style of Ferretti Yachts and a modern taste for interiors, combined with a high impact exterior design. All this, without forgetting undisputable values such as quality, functionality of space, comfort and performance which the Ferretti Group never ever compromises”.

“Ferretti 720 will touch the water for the first time in spring 2011 and we have high expectations for this model. We are sure she will be popular both with Owners who wish to “mature” - as it were - in the Ferretti Yachts range, and new Clients, particularly in Italy, the “extended” Mediterranean Europe (including Turkey), the Middle-East and North America”.

As per tradition, Studio Zuccon International Project developed the project for the hull, the superstructure and the interiors. The resulting yacht features a winning, sporty exterior line, a new concept roll bar, hard top on request, and continuous glazing which runs right along the main deck. Large windows positioned so they light up the guest and VIP cabins at bow have been added to the open views fitted in the hull.

Ferretti 720 Project measures almost 22 metres in length and almost 6 in width. Inside, she features generous spaces, further enlarged by the natural light which filters in through the large windows.

The cockpit is a true outdoor salon, with teak flooring, and a large table with a bench and seating for 8-10 guests. Continuing along, Ferretti 720 Project features a large, extraordinarily comfortable salon which, using the width of the hull, offers a spacious environment normally only seen on yachts measuring well over 70’. The interior of the salon has been split into a living area – with an L-shaped sofa, armchair and coffee table to the left – and a dining area, located towards the bow, with a large crystal table and seating for up to eight guests.

(click images to enlarge)

Full and empty spaces alternate elegantly, resulting in a well-balanced, lightweight appearance, and the low pieces of furniture are highly functional, whilst still allowing ample room for the windows. Spatiality is intensified by the natural light, adding to the pleasure of being on board.

Even the materials converge to create the atmosphere, through the coherence of language between the different areas of the yacht. “Grey” oak was chosen for all the furniture, in a lighter shade than the wood itself, in order to create a refined, modern scenario in which the style details mark the different areas. Natural colours express themselves in the widespread use of “brown-grey” lacquering for all the details: the structures for the furniture, the window frames, the wall panelling, the fabrics for the sofa and the crystal for the table and sliding wall, the latter of which isolates the salon from the bow area.

There is a comfortable dinette with two small sofas opposite the galley on the right hand side, which can also be used as a charting area, in direct communication with the helm station. The steering position is located on the left hand side and enjoys excellent visibility thanks to continuous side and bow glazing. On the left, a door opens onto the exterior, so the crew can access the galley-pilot area without having to walk through the salon. The stairs to accessing the area below deck are located on the right.

The night area on Ferretti 720 Project features space and height which are to the full advantage of the comfort and liveability of the guests on board. The master suite is located full beam in the centre of the yacht. Lit by means of large open view windows, it has been fitted with low furniture, and the bed is oriented in the cruising direction. The large head to the left uses the entire length of the cabin, and is accessed through a sliding door. It features a large shower with crystal walls. A small, comfortable divan is located to the right of the master suite, under the window. A large walk-in closet, low storage unit and built-in, wall-mounted LCD TV complete the furnishings.

Even in the master cabin, the wealth of materials and the natural shades mark the various different areas. It features lacquered details alternated with wall panelling and leather applied to the bed run-around and head board. A mirror has been fitted into the latter.

Two comfortable, twin-bedded cabins are located towards the bow, both with en-suite heads and large shower cubicles, as is the VIP cabin, completely at bow, which is also equipped with a large head and separate shower.

Ferretti Yachts pays great attention to the crew, as well. The crew area, accessed using the stairs located to the left of the cockpit, is completely separate from the Owner/guest area and located astern on the lower deck. A utility room equipped as a laundry area allows for direct access to the engine room, the two cabins and the head.

Ferretti 720 Project provides for installation of twin MTU 10V 2000 M 92 engines with a power of 1381hp (as well as an optional engine) which, in line with Ferretti Yachts tradition, promise an excellent performance.

NauticNews Tech Specs of Ferretti 720

 The range of Ferretti on NauticNews

Tags on NauticNews: Ferretti Yachts - Zuccon International Project - Motor Yachts

- PR -

08/2010 -

Aethon Wing Destroyed; Americans Out of International C-Class Catamaran Championship

Yesterday (Aug. 25th) the C-Class Catamaran Aethon capsized after the start of race one of the International C Class Catamaran Championship (long nicknamed the “Little America’s Cup” read also our article) and her wing was destroyed. The team hit a patch of turbulence left by a freighter for which they were not prepared and were unable to react in time. Crew Oliver Moore lost his footing and was washed off the boat with the mainsheet wrapped around his leg. As the wing rapidly trimmed in, the boat capsized and helmsman Steve Clark, unable to get out of his trapeze in time, fell through the wing, breaking the mast in the process. Both crew members would be fine, and the platform would suffer only minor damages, but what was left of the wing was all but disintegrated in the three-mile tow back to New York Yacht Club’s Harbor Court.

“The thing I would like to stress here,” said Clark, “is that this was not a product of the conditions. It was a freak accident that could have happened at any time, at any wind speed. If the wing is trimmed all the way to windward and can’t be eased the boat will tip over, and these boats are not designed to do that. It’s a tough end to the last 18 months of work Oliver and I put in, but sometimes these things happen.”

When asked for his thoughts on the sudden death of a wing that had been the best the class had to offer for 11 years Clark was characteristically jovial. “That wing gave us everything it had,” said Clark. “The last time we sailed in heavy air, I told Duncan (MacLane, the wing’s designer), ‘if something goes wrong with the wing here I’m fine with it.’ It has done everything we asked of it for over a decade. If it goes down in flames so be it. At least now I don’t need to decide which museum to donate it to.”

While obviously disappointed in being out of the regatta, Clark was still optimistic about his team’s chances in the future. “Aethon is done for this event, but it is not done for good,” stressed Clark. “In the time that we were racing I felt like we had a rocket. We got away from the line very well and were about to tack on Canaan’s hip, on the inside of the shift, and should have been set up to win the race. It is a tough break for our team that we won’t be able to sail in the rest of the regatta, but we hope to have the new wing up and working soon, and plan on mounting a future challenge. We are going to keep playing this game.”

Despite the loss of Aethon, Clark believes that the event is still set up to be a great success for the C-Class and for the sailing world. “Obviously I would enjoy it more if I were out there,” said Clark, “but there is still some great racing going on out there. Our wing may be broken but the event goes on, and I will be watching with great interest.”

Tags on NauticNews.com: C-Class Catamaran Championship - BMW Oracle

Photo Credit: Christophe Launay

- PR -

08/2010 -

The Imoca skippers are due to meet up again in St Malo on 31st October for the Route du Rhum-la Banque Postale and in Barcelona on 31st December for the Barcelona World Race. 9 boats are set to compete in the Rhum and at least ten for the Barcelona. At the present time, some skippers are finishing off their projects in order to make it to the start line, while others are adding the final touches to their brand new prototypes.

The new projects:
Four major projects are under way at the moment. The most advanced of these belongs to Vincent Riou (PRB), whose new boat has been on the water since the spring, and Jean-Pierre Dick (Virbac – Paprec 3), who recently moored up in Lorient at the end of a long delivery trip from New Zealand via the Panama canal. Meanwhile, Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) is completing a race against the clock so as to make the start of the Route du Rhum, before gearing up for the Barcelona World Race. The three sailors have all opted for a Verdier – VPLP design, acknowledging the respective performances of Safran and Groupe Bel. Bernard Stamm (Cheminées Poujoulat) is continuing with the construction of his Kouyoumdjian designed boat at the Decision yard in Switzerland.

Continuing to sail

Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement) has traded in his Lombard design, which was beginning to get a bit dated, for the Farr designed boat previously skippered by Sébastien Josse during the last Vendée Globe. Bilou’s aim is to defend his title during the next Route du Rhum. Roland will once again be competing against Kito de Pavant (Groupe Bel), who is continuing to optimise his monohull, as well as Marc Guillemot (Safran), who is keen to repeat his performance from the last Transat Jacques Vabre.

For this year’s Route du Rhum, Arnaud Boissières (Akena Vérandas) is now in possession of a boat which once belonged to Vincent Riou, while Armel Le Cléac’h (Brit Air), winner of the Solitaire du Figaro, will be racing on his Finot designed boat again.

Looking ahead to Barcelona, Dominique Wavre and his new partner Mirabaud will be at the start of the next Barcelona World Race; while Dee Caffari will be teaming up with Anna Corbella (GAES Centros Auditivos).

Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss) will also be at the start of the race, aboard a boat previously skippered by Brian Thompson (Pindar). Alex is gambling on the boat’s power and his new boat is certainly a looker.

The Spanish are also intending to be out in force on the IMOCA circuit as several crews are actively preparing for the Barcelona World Race. Alex Pella is teaming up with Pepe Ribes (Estrella Damm) on Loïck Peyron’s former Farr design; Pachi Rivero is partnering Tonio Piris (W Hotels Nova Bocana) on Jean-Pierre Dick’s former boat, while Iker Martinez and Xabi Fernandez (Movistar) are benefiting from the advice of Michel Desjoyeaux after purchasing the winning boat from the last Vendée Globe.

A few other projects will also be taking part in the next Barcelona World Race and they are discreetly being finalised.

Strategic choices for the future
By opting to register the next three editions of the Barcelona World Race in its schedule, Imoca had gambled on its internationalisation and the complementary nature of single and double-handed races. They’ve pulled it off! The 2010 Imoca season will comprise over 20 entries in its World Championship. Naturally, the 2008 Vendée Globe was an exceptional event, with 30 competitors at the start. 18 competitors lined up for the 2004 edition, so we should be able to count on the 2012 edition being just as exceptional.

Between these two round the world races, the Europa Race will go around Europe, starting in Istanbul on July 2nd 2011.

Those taking part in the Route du Rhum – La Banque Postale
Arnaud Boissières - Akena Vérandas
Armel Le Cléac’h - Brit Air
Christopher Pratt - DCNS 1000
Michel Desjoyeaux - FONCIA
Kito de Pavant - Groupe Bel
Vincent Riou - PRB
Marc Guillemot - Safran
Roland Jourdain - Veolia Environnement
Jean-Pierre Dick - Virbac Paprec 3

www.routedurhum-labanquepostale.com

Those taking part in the Barcelona World Race
Jean-Pierre Dick – Loïck Peyron, Virbac – Paprec 3
Michel Desjoyeaux – François Gabart, Foncia
Dominique Wavre – Michèle Paret, Mirabaud
Anna Corbella – Dee Caffari, GAES Centros Auditivos
Alex Pella – Pepe Ribes, Estrella Damm
Pachi Ribero – Tonio Piris, W Hotels Nova Bocana
Iker Martinez – Xabi Fernandez, Movistar
Alex Thomson – ?, Hugo Boss
Juan Mederiz – Fran Palacio, Central Lechera Asturiana
Boris Herman – Ryan Breymaier

In addition to these ten entrants, three to four crews are finalising their projects. The former Roxy, Super Bigoud and Kingfisher may also be lining up at the start…

www.barcelonaworldrace.org

Tags on NauticNews.com : Imoca - Route du Rhum - Barcelona World Race

More informations : Imoca.org

Photo credit : Eric North.co.uk

-PR-

08/2010 -

NAUTICA, American brand specialized in clothes enriched its range of watches featuring a diving watch with an assertive personality. With a unidirectional rotating bezel clicked and a dial with luminous indices and large luminous hands, the BFD 100 calls to answer the call of the sea and the depths.

Its clear and concentrated design and its luminescent arrows allow a quick read even in low sunlight conditions or low light. Thus, whether you practice sailing, diving or simply swimming, this watch is water resistant to 100 meters.

The case is 50mm steel 316L IP treatment with black dial indicating the date six hours in a large window. Screw-down crown and caseback screwed guarantee for their tightness foolproof!

The bracelet features flexible resin NAUTICA logo on both sides of the crown. This model is also available with luminescent dial with a black soft resin bracelet.

Recommended Retail Price: 189 €

Information : 0032 2 772 25 50

- PR -

08/2010 -

The relationship between Alloy Yachts and Dubois Naval Architects has been a long but happy and fruitful association and the current 44.18 metre Imagine is a culmination of many years of experience – between the Owner, designer and the yard.

The latest incarnation of Imagine is still, from a sailing point of view, a classic sailboat in a traditional Alloy/Dubois style.

The owners close affiliation with America’s Cup, Volvo and TP52 racing has meant that racing technology has been transferred and blended into this classic superyacht. A composite centreboard, an Alloy Yachts custom helm feedback system and semi-balanced composite blade rudder means performance and stability in a fast superyacht. Imagine sports a 58.5m state-of-the-art Southern Spars five spreader mast, an 18.6m hybrid Leisurefurl boom, and EC6 Hybrid rigging with a split continuous backstay. North 3DL sails and a Code Zero arrangement normally found on America’s Cup yachts, mean the team have upped performance but maintained the simplicity of the yachts handling.

For both Alloy Yachts and Dubois Naval Architects their relationship is one which has perhaps changed the face of the sailing Superyacht. With the launch of the latest Imagine and the technology within, the face of performance Superyachts is perhaps changing again.

NauticNews Tech Specs of Alloy Yachts AY40 Imagine

The range of Alloy Yachts on NauticNews.com

Tags on NauticNews.com: Alloy Yachts -  Sailing Yacht - Dubois Naval

- PR -

08/2010 -

For its first participation at the Cannes Boat Show, the British shipyard Hunton Powerboats shipped a new version of the XRS 43. This sport cruiser is able to run at 65 knots with two Cummins diesel 960 hp total. Its propulsion, as its seaworthiness, are exceptional and its hull is manufactured under the watchful eye of some English champion of offshore races.

No need to introduce Hunton Powerboats to offshore races fans. Thirty years after the launch of his label, Jeff Hunton excels in the art of making custom sport cruisers. This former champion has produced twenty models, each more daring than others, but in  Cannes he intends to move forward. His new creature, the XRS 43 is in line of supercars. Everything is there: strength, speed, elegance, creativity. At Hunton Powerboats they are constantly reinventing the engine, remodelling the hulls for boats to be pushed beyond their limits. Like all the hulls produced in the yard, that of the XRS 43 is a mix of composite and fiber glass. Its light weight (7 tons dry), its well-marked longitudinal recesses and steps are not confusing about the aggressive nature of the beast. The bow is deep V to erase the wave, spray and hollow without problem. There’s everything you need to slave away and maneuver the boat optimally thanks to bow thrusters and the NXT drives available in standard. Thus adorned, the XRS 43 looks very playful. The question now is to know whether or not it also navigates comfortably.

The interior of a supercar

The interior of the XRS 43 is customizable to desire: at Hunton, your wish is their command! The manufacturer makes use of living space with intelligence for harmony and to let you go on a wee-kend with a light heart. On the standard version, the main deck proposes a double pilot seat. The dashboard is simply fantastic. Very complete, it includes all controls and features a Garmin GPS touch-screen, readable even in bright sunlight. In the middle, passengers enjoy a large U-shaped settee, coupled with a simple bench to portside. As the bow is not particularly comfortable for sunbathing, a beautiful sunbathing is installed in the rear. A large teak swim platform provides easy access to water. It is also equipped with lights for midnight swims. The lower deck is properly configured, with a large lounge and a fully equipped kitchen. It enjoys the natural light entering through the large side windows and ceiling. Only problem: there is no separation from the bedroom to the bow. We do not recommend the grilled seafood during your trip … However, the toilets are independent and not too narrow for a 13 meters boat.

Powerboat as a lifestyle

What prompted Jeff Hunton to launch its own brand? In 1979, the engineer at HiFlex International has already run and overcame a lot on other offshore boats. But none of them escaped his paradoxical obsession with ultra powerful and at the same time comfortable boat. By continuously remodelling the deck, hull, strips, he was convinced that the idea could work also for others. Thus was born the Gazelle 23: fetish boat that allowed Jeff Hunton to become champion of the British offshore racing A class. Always unsatisfied, he never ceased to renew the range. As the boat races were on the decline, the pure offshore boats have given way to sports cruisers and ribs in the 90s. However, Powerboats by Hunton have lost none of their astounding performances: the XRS 43 is the perfect example. Mr. Hunton’s creatures have even attracted the attention of the Royal Gibraltar Police who uses them against drug trafficking. Abu Dhabi also has fallen for Hunton Powerboats. The oil patrol uses them along the coasts of the Persian Gulf. This year’s this is Cannes its and Boat Show which will get an eyeful at Pantiero.

NauticNews Tech Specs of Hunton Powerboats XRS 43

The range of Hunton Powerboats on NauticNews

Tags : Hunton Powerboats - Jeff Hunton - Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes - Cannes Boat Show - Powerboat

Photo Credit: Hunton Powerboats, LTD.

-KL-

08/2010 -

Garmin has announced the GPSMAP 78s and the GPSMAP 78 – the latest in the range of next generation marine-friendly GPS handhelds.

The GPSMAP 78 series feature a new contemporary industrial design with rubber side grips that are ideal for navigating the great outdoors. Garmin’s flagship model, the 78s, also adds new high-end features including a 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and wireless data transfer between compatible units.

Nigel Craine Marine and OEM Product Manager for Garmin said: “The GPSMAP 78 series demonstrates modern design and high-tech features, whilst retaining the ruggedness and durability that mariners have come to know and appreciate from the GPSMAP series.

“The GPSMAP 78 series is the perfect companion for any grab bag, Kayaker or RIB Owner, giving instant access to important information when you need it most. It’s simple to use and if you do happen to drop it over the side, it floats!”

Thanks to the bright, highly transflective 65K colour LCD display with backlight, each unit in the GPSMAP 78 series is easier than ever to read and use in all conditions.

Like earlier GPSMAP generations, these new handhelds will keep the same soft-key user interface and overall sleek, easy-to-use design – including a rugged and waterproof housing that floats. Other key upgrades to the GPSMAP 78s include user-defined profiles and a 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass, which shows your heading even when you’re standing still. The new GPSMAP 78s also supports wireless exchange of tracks, waypoints, routes and geocaches with compatible Oregon®, DakotaTM, Colorado® and Foretrex® devices.

Weighing just 219g, the new GPSMAP 78 models last up to 20 hours on two AA batteries. Each device has a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFixTM, which automatically calculates and stores critical satellite information and can use that information to quickly calculate a position.

The new GPSMAP 78 models have 1.7 GB of internal memory and a microSDTM card slot for optional map data, so users have the ability to add additional BlueChart® g2 marine charts, topographic maps or CityNavigator® data for turn-by-turn routing on roads. With these units, you can store up to 2,000 waypoints, 200 routes and a tracklog of up to 10,000 points and 200 saved tracks.

Public prices:

GPSMAP 78: 329,00€ VAT included

GPSMAP 78s: 379,00€ VAT included

- PR -