We wholeheartedly congratulate CHE as a finalist in the 2011 World Superyacht Awards category for the Best Sailing Yacht in the 30-45m range. Our charter experts have intimate knowledge of this elegant yacht, her unparalleled sailing capabilities and her extraordinary crew.
Charter on board CHE is a truly holistic experience. Serene interior design makes elegant use of sustainable bamboo and soothing shades of the sea to create a peaceful Zen atmosphere. Accommodations for seven guests in four luxurious cabins with ensuite facilities are contemporary, exceedingly comfortable and beckon relaxation.
On board CHE, guests will thrill to the seaworthiness and speed of this powerful catamaran with high-performance capabilities that allow cruising speeds of up to 20 knots. CHE also has an impressive toy chest that includes two Zodiacs, water skis, diving equipment, snorkeling gear, a Seabob, kayaks, and a selection of inflatable toys.
Relaxation, pampering, and dramatic adventure await charter guests as they sail the storied coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea aboard CHE, the largest rig sloop catamaran in the world.
Here are the winners of the 6th World Superyacht Awards, which took place Saturday at London’s Guildhall. More than 500 superyacht owners, families, friends and industry professionals gathered at the gala affair to enjoy the ceremony in which owners of winning sail and motoryachts delivered in 2010 were distinguished.
536' EclipseZefira
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich’s 485 million dollar mega-yacht ECLIPSE won for Best Displacement Yacht and Motor Yacht of the Year in the 3000GT and above category as did the Perini Navi, EXUMA, in the below 500GT category. New Zealand company Fitzroy Yachts masterpiece ZEFIRA won both awards in the sailing yacht categories.
Best Displacement Motor Yacht 3000GT and above:
ECLIPSE: Blohm & Voss
Best Displacement Motor Yacht of 1,300GT-2,999GT:
SYCARA IV: Nobiskrug
Best Displacement Motor Yacht of 500GT-1,299GT:
MARY-JEAN II: ISA
Best Displacement Motor Yacht of below 500GT:
EXUMA: Picchiotti/Perini Navi Group
Three Deck Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yacht:
CALLIOPE: Holland Jachtbouw
Two Deck Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yacht:
FRAMURA 2: Codecasa
Motor Yacht of the Year:
ECLIPSE: Blohm & Voss
EXUMA: Picchiotti/Perini Navi Group
Best Sailing Yacht in 45m-plus size range:
ZEFIRA: Fitzroy Yachts
Best Sailing Yacht 30m-44.99m:
IMAGINE: Alloy Yachts
Sailing Yacht of the Year:
ZEFIRA: Fitzroy Yachts
Best Refitted Yacht:
ANGEL’S SHARE: Lürssen
Best Rebuilt Yacht:
ATTESSA IV — Washington Yachting Group
Two equally prestigious awards were given for outstanding accomplishments. The challenging Voyager Award was presented to Dione Sky for the circumnavigation of the Americas, including the Northwest Passage and the Antarctic. Elizabeth E Meyer received the Legacy Award for her efforts in the restoration of J-Class yachts and the founding of the International Yacht Restoration Society.
Kingship Marine Limited celebrated the keel laying ceremony for their much acclaimed hybrid yacht Green Voyager last Tuesday at the Zhongshan yard.
Green Voyager is an innovative yacht design that combines luxury and style with the ability to tread lightly. With transoceanic capability, the Green Voyager appeals to a new generation of global adventurers who consider environmental responsibility a priority.
Mr. Horacio Bozzo, designer of Green Voyager, explained that the luxury yacht is the end result of a 360-degree approach that sought to provide multiple solutions to reduce her environmental impact.
Mr. Mauro Boni, RINA’s (Registro Italiano Navale) Asia Pacific Yachting Line Manager, further recognized Horacio and Kingship’s effort. Kingship’s Green Voyager project demonstrates that Chinese shipyards have the potential to set trends for the superyacht industry with regard to environmental protection.
Kingship created a uniquely Asian influenced keel-laying ceremony. Mr. Roger Liang, Managing Director of Kingship, lead his fellow staff in an incense burning ceremony, asking the gods to bless all Kinship’s staff to be safe throughout the construction.
Kingship prepared two new lions for the lion dance, a tradition incorporated into the ceremony. The history of lion dancing dates back more than a thousand years and the lion is regarded as a guardian creature to drive away evil spirits and to summon luck. The lions dance and show different emotions. The lions usually perform the “Picking the Green” act, tying the keel laying plate to assure an auspicious business. Also their mission was to bless Kingship’s technicians and workers for a safe and peaceful construction. After the lions successfully picked the green together with the keel laying plate, they passed it to the Kingship welder who then welded the plate onto Green Voyager and completed the ceremony.
Green Voyager is the first motoryacht in the world of less than 50 meters to have true hybrid propulsion. The vertical plumb bow is an advanced displacement hull, with underwater main parameters and geometry that have been studied and tank tested to achieve exceptional performance, reduce wave-making resistance, minimize slamming and assure a smoother passage through the waves for improved fuel efficiency and speed. Green Voyager is scheduled for delivery in 2013.
In late June and early July anyone fortunate to be quayside in Newport R.I. can witness the awesome spectacle of 32 ocean-going yachts set sail in the Transatlantic Race 2011, which charts 2,975 nautical mile course from Newport to Lizard Point, South Cornwall (UK). The Royal Yacht Squadron, New York Yacht Club, Royal Ocean Racing Club and Storm Trysail Club organize the event.
The fleet includes sleek traditional designs, such as the 94’ William Fife-designed Sumurun, and sophisticated super yachts, such as the 289’ custom Perini Navi clipper sailing yacht Maltese Falcon. The Atlantic Ocean crossing can potentially challenge these renowned racers and their teams with fierce storms, testing seas and even icebergs.
Robert Towbin, owner/captain of Sumurun, who won two previous transatlantic races, is currently preparing his classic yacht, which was built in 1914, to endure this first challenge of the 2011 sailing season. “If you have an older boat, a race of this complexity takes a lot out of it, so we are putting a lot of work into it to get it up to date,” said Towbin.
Three separate starts will “stagger” yachts of different sizes and ability so that they will arrive in England in proximity to each other. The larger boats hope to finish the race in 8 to 12 days, while the smaller boats estimate 18 to 22 days to finish.
Maltese Falcon
The final race group of legendary competitors includes the VOR 70 crewed by PUMA Ocean Racing Team, the Newport-based second-place finisher in the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race and entrant in the next edition as well; Rambler 100, George David’s maxi rocket ship that has been tearing up race courses since the beginning of the year, including breaking the record for the RORC Caribbean 600 and taking line honors at the Pineapple Cup-Montego Bay Race; and ICAP Leopard, which holds the current record from Ambrose Light to Lizard Point for monohulls using powered sailing systems.
A TR2011 Panel Discussion is scheduled for tomorrow, April 26, at 5:30 PM EST. Topics will focus on the history of transatlantic racing, the challenge and appeal of transoceanic racing, as well as the upcoming TR2011 and its entries. Panelists include George David, owner/skipper of Rambler 100; Chris Gartner, captain of Maltese Falcon; Larry Huntington, owner/captain of Snow Lion; Bob Towbin, owner/captain of Sumurun; Rives Potts, Rear Commodore of NYYC and owner/captain of Carina; and sailing historian and author John Rousmaniere.
The Axcell 650 is described as combining the best attributes of a power cat with the thrill of a Hovercraft. Although we were not fortunate enough to sea trial the yacht, spending time on board with owner and developer of her patented technology, Bruce Barsumian, was quite revealing.
Barsumian, founder and president of MACS
Bruce Barsumian
Research, is the owner of a myriad of intriguing patents, primarily for the counter surveillance industry. Axcell’s proprietary HybridAir’ Technology is his first nautical invention. “This is his brainchild of sixteen years’” his son told us, “Dad started with a sixteen footer mounted with a blower that you would use to circulate air in a factory. It went so well that he went from there to end up with this, 65 feet long and 21 feet wide.”
The Axcell is engineered to utilize a Hovercraft lift fan to pump air pressure into twin air-cushioned cavities to provide lift and lubrication to the hulls. A significant reduction in friction allows the hull to transition smoothly from displacement mode to high performance planing. The system allows for a comfortable ride, high speed, outstanding fuel efficiency, and excellent handling and performance. “Our goal from the outset was to design the ultimate 65’ cruising yacht that combines the best in engineering, design, performance, styling and comfort,” stated Barsumian.”
“It’s an air-lifted hull. What we’re doing is talking 6% of the power off the main engines, which are C18s, through a hydraulic pump that powers the blowers that lift half the weight off the boat. So they’re lifting 30K lbs. of the boat that weighs around 60K lbs. So we have less friction in the water to make us more efficient. At a fast cruise of 36 knots we burn 90 gallons, and at a slow cruise of 26 knots we burn 45 gallons of diesel per hour. By using the airlift technology it enables us to burn less diesel and obtain speeds up to 40 knots.”
The AXCELL 650 features Euro-style cruiser lines created by award-winning mega yacht designer J.C. Espinosa, who successfully gives the vessel a volume that belies its 65-foot LOA, and an elegance on a par with the finest motor yachts in the range.
The expansive open salon and formal dining and lounging areas are roomy enough for sizeable social gatherings. The trendy interior features engineered zebrawood with a fine polyester finish, stunning onyx countertops, plush leathers and rich fabrics and textiles.
Everything on the boat is based on efficiency. We were particularly impressed with the portside galley that houses full size appliances. Designed as a kitchen to cook in, the galley includes a convection oven, trash compactor, dishwasher, and roomy fridge.
Accommodations are for six guests in three ensuite staterooms. The pilothouse offers 360-degree panoramic views through port, starboard and aft drop windows for an airy, open feel. A delightfully sprawling sunroof feels like a convertible top. Other notable features include a fully garaged 16’ R.I.B. tender, twin 1150 Caterpillar turbo diesels and distinctive custom signature exterior gills that are stylish and functional.
It is evident that the Axcell 650 is a luxury sport catamaran that incorporates cutting-edge marine technology for cost-efficient fuel operation. Moreover, the yacht features stunning and functional interiors. As a relative newcomer to the market, we predict that the Axcell 650 will quickly become a powerful industry contender.
Specifications
LOA: 66.5 ft.
Beam: 20.8 ft.
Fuel: 650 Gal.
Waste Capacity: 55 Gal.
Cruise Speed: 36 kts.
Maximum Speed: 40 kts
Propulsion: Twin Caterpillar C-18 1150 HP ZF 500A Transmissions
Generator: 15KW Westerbeke with Sound Shield
We wholeheartedly congratulate CHE as a finalist in the 2011 World Superyacht Awards category for the Best Sailing Yacht in the 30-45m range. Our charter experts have intimate knowledge of this elegant yacht, her unparalleled sailing capabilities and her extraordinary crew.
makes elegant use of sustainable bamboo and soothing shades of the sea to create a peaceful Zen atmosphere. Accommodations for seven guests in four luxurious cabins with ensuite facilities are contemporary, exceedingly comfortable and beckon relaxation.
Relaxation, pampering, and dramatic adventure await charter guests as they sail the storied coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea aboard CHE, the largest rig sloop catamaran in the world.
