Category Archives: Expert Commentary

Perini Navi Group Launches New Series of 60 Meter Sailing Yachts

Perini Navi, Viareggio, July 18, 2011

The Perini Navi Group has produced some of the most magnificent sailing, racing and charter yachts currently on the water. The Maltese Falcon, Antara, Heritage and Andromeda La Dea are a few examples of stunning launches from the Italian shipyard in Viareggio, a yard that remains prolific despite uncertain economic times.

154 ft. Andromeda La Dea

Keeping their balance on the cutting edge, The Perini Navi Group has launched a new series of 60 meter sailing yachts and already has two sales contracts that total more than 70 million Euros. The two yachts, a ketch and a sloop, will be delivered in 2013 and 2014 respectively. The new line, created and designed in house, represents an evolution of the successful 56 meter series that includes the spectacular charter yacht Rosehearty.

150 ft. Heritage

In the year 2010, the yard delivered three sailing yachts and one motor yacht; Panthalassa and Melek, 56 meter ketches, Fivea, a 45 meter sloop, and Exuma, a 50 meter Picchiotti, distinguished as the first motor yacht produced by the Perini Navi Group. The Perini Navi Group closed the 2010 fiscal year with an order portfolio of 126 million Euros. This year, thanks to the sales of the two new yachts, the volume is currently at 140 million with seven yachts in the works that range from 45 to 73 meters.

Follow this link for a selection of Perini Navi Charter Yachts

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44th Rolex Fastnet Race: Prestigious Sailing Challenge Begins August 14

IROMIGUY, FRA, Jean-Yves Chateau, IRC 3 Rolex Fastnet Race 2005 Daniel Forster ROLEX

The Rolex Fastnet Race is the next thrilling event in the AORS series. The registered fleet is comprised of 350 spectacular entrants possessing individual quality and diversity that is no less than breathtaking. With an impressive fleet of inspiring and exhilarating yachts, the 2011 Rolex Fastnet Race is destined to maintain the event’s prestigious tradition.

RAMBLER and ICAP LEOPARD, sailing around the Fastnet Rock: Photo credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

The Rolex Fastnet Race commences from Cowes on Sunday 14 August. Ambitious crews hope to finish after only one or two nights at sea, but many are likely to spend closer to a week in potentially punishing conditions. In 2007, Mike Slade`s Farr-designed 100ft Maxi, ICAP Leopard (GBR) crossed the Rolex Fastnet Race finish line in an incredible elapsed time of 1 day 20 hours 18 minutes.

RAN rounding Fastnet Rock

This year the fastest boat on the water will be the 100-foot trimaran, Banque Populaire (FRA), which just broke the round the Britain Isles record by almost a day and a half. However, the much anticipated battle for monohull line honors will between ICAP Leopard, first elapsed-time finisher in the past two editions, and arch-rivals George David’s Rambler 100, which eased to line honors in the 2011 Transatlantic Race after ICAP Leopard lost her bowsprit.

BEAU GESTE rounding Fastnet Rock

No less than six Volvo 70s will be competing, including Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Groupama IV (FRA). The Mini Maxi class includes defending Rolex Fastnet handicap winner, the 72 ft. Rán (GBR), 68 ft. Alegre (GBR), a fantastic campaigner in the Mediterranean in recent seasons. American challengers include the STP65 Vanquish, and the Reichel-Pugh 66 Zaraffa, who like ICAP Leopard and Rambler 100 competed in the Transatlantic Race.

The main trophy for overall victory in the Rolex Fastnet is the Fastnet Challenge Cup. In addition, there are more than 30 additional trophies that will be awarded at the prize giving on Friday, 19 August at the historic Royal Citadel, home of the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, overlooking Plymouth Sound and Sutton Harbour, where the majority of the fleet will berth.

Follow this helpful link for information to Charter Racing and Spectator Yachts.

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Princess Yachts Receives RINA Green Plus (Y) Notation for V Class and Flybridge Yachts

Princess 78 Flybridge

Today, UK boatbuilder Princess Yachts has been awarded the RINA Green Plus notation for its eco-friendly line of V Class and Flybridge yachts. The award provides an independently verified environmental accreditation from the Italian classification society RINA and applies to each individual model that is assessed for its environmental impact.  The rigorous testing investigates all aspects of the craft from engines and electrical systems to materials and substances employed and Princess are the first brand to demonstrate the compliance of every vessel applicable for the process.

Princess also adheres to responsible manufacturing practices and in 2010

Princess 85 Flybridge

became the first major motor yacht manufacturer to be awarded ISO14001 in recognition of achievements in reducing environmental impact.  The award process requires a review of every aspect of the company’s manufacturing activities, products and services, from materials usage, noise and emissions, to energy management and waste disposal.

Princess V78

A significant part of the company’s environmental initiative is the use of large scale resin infusion technology, a closed mold process that almost completely eliminates emissions in the workplace and local environment. This advanced technique also offers significant quality, weight and structural benefits resulting in better hull performance and fuel efficiency.

Please follow these helpful links to discover chartering Princess Yachts and Green Yacht Chartering worldwide.

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Transatlantic Race 2011 Rambler 100 LINE HONORS

Record holding Rambler 100 (photo credit TR2011/Mark Lloyd)

Rambler 100, skippered by George David (Hartford, Conn.) crossed the finish line of the Transatlantic Race 2011 on Sunday 10th July at 16h 08m UTC.

Elapsed time for Rambler 100 was 6d 22h 08m 2s.

It has established a new record for the 2,975 nautical mile course from Newport, RI to Lizard Point, South Cornwall, UK, which is to be ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council.

Visit this link for information on Yacht Races and Regattas.

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Transatlantic Race 2011: ICAP Leopard Suffers Broken Bowsprit

ICAP Leopard’s captain, Chris Sherlock, has announced that their bowsprit broke at 20.20 UT on Monday 04 July, just over a day after leaving Newport, R.I.  The damage happened in flat water after passing the George’s Bank with a fractional sail flying off the sprit. No one was hurt in the incident and both the sail and the sprit were recovered safely.

The unfortunate mishap has not threatened the integrity of the hull or the strength of the bow so that sails can still be flown from the stem. This has meant that Leopard’s performance on the long beam reach of the first three days from Newport has not been much compromised except that the yacht has had to sail slightly higher than optimum, which is why it is to the south side of its main competition.  However, as the high pressure system is approached, there are very few options for sailing downwind without the sprit.

For more information, yacht blogs and photos: https://www.transatlanticrace.org/

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