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Rainbow, Newest J-Class Sailing Yacht, Launched at Holland Jachtbouw

February 23, 2012 by

The replica of the famed 1934 America’s Cup winner Rainbow gently touched salt water for the first time last Friday, christened by the owner’s daughter.

Holland Jachtbouw has been building the 131-foot (40-meter) Rainbow for the past two years. It’s quite a difference compared to the 100-day build schedule for the original Rainbow, scrapped in 1940. Why such a variation in construction time? This Rainbow is quite a different competitor. Though she’s engineered and designed to the original William Starling Burgess specifications, Rainbow has a hybrid propulsion system and a superyacht-style interior. The yacht that inspired her was a pure racer, without an interior, an engine room, or the attendant equipment of modern comforts like air conditioning.

Rainbow’s hybrid propulsion and power system marks a first for all the Js on the water (she’s the seventh). Holland Jachtbouw proposed it due to the yacht’s space limitations and collaborated with WhisperPower to develop it. It’s comprised of Hy-Store lithium-ion batteries, one main engine, and a variable-speed electric motor serving as a genset. That genset can be used as an alternate engine when needed. Furthermore, the batteries can power everything aboard Rainbow whether sailing or at the dock, at the request of the owner, Chris Gongriep. Gongriep is an experienced sailing-yacht owner, having the renowned Windrose of Amsterdam, built by Holland Jachtbouw, conceived for and win races. He wanted Rainbow to be whisper-quiet in the overnight hours, so the batteries do the trick. They can then be charged while Rainbow is under sail, with reportedly just a 1.5-knot drop in speed.

Besides the space savings, the hybrid system allows a reported 30-percent reduction in fuel consumption due to air conditioning and other “hotel load” items. And, of course, that means lower maintenance costs and sound reduction.

As for Rainbow’s overall naval architecture and design, Gongriep tapped Dykstra & Partners .Besides having designed Windrose of Amsterdam for him, the firm oversaw the restoration of the Js Endeavour, Shamrock V, and Velsheda, the refit of the J Ranger, and the construction of the replica J Hanuman. Dykstra & Partners also had a hand in developing the J Class Association performance racing rules, to which Rainbow will adhere. A Southern Spars carbon fiber mast, boom, and spinnaker pole, plus North Sails racing sails and Lewmar hydraulic winches are among the gear the design team specified to meet those expectations.

During races, a crew of 25 to 28 people will handle Rainbow, including her huge, 10,226-square-foot (950-square-meter) spinnaker. When she’s entertaining Gongriep and guests, a crew of seven will take care of things. During those times, everyone will be treated to a mahogany-paneled interior with 1930s period flair, including Art Deco touches. The master suite is aft, and the two guest staterooms each have Pullmans.

Look for Rainbow to compete as JH2 in the upcoming J-Class regattas in England this summer. She’ll also make her boat-show debut at September’s Monaco Yacht Show.

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Hatteras Yachts to Build 95 Raised Pilothouse Megayacht

February 22, 2012 by

Complementing its existing 80 Motor Yacht and 100 Motor Yacht models, Hatteras Yachts will launch a 95 Raised Pilothouse megayacht next summer.

Measuring 100 feet LOA (30.5 meters), the 95 Raised Pilothouse will be Hatteras’ new flagship. She’ll be the first of a new generation of motoryachts for the American builder. Jim Meyer, president and CEO of Hatteras Yachts, says the 95 Raised Pilothouse embraces the large-yacht feel without the higher price tag or larger crew complement that go along with 100-foot-plus megayachts. This way, he adds, existing clients with 80 Motor Yachts can step up in size more easily. In addition, Meyer says, the 95 Raised Pilothouse will help introduce Hatteras to additional markets, like South America, Australia, and China.

To address the cruising needs of these and other markets, the 95 Raised Pilothouse will feature a side entry. She’ll also have a spiral staircase just steps away, much like larger megayachts. The standard layout will feature the full-beam master suite below decks, accompanied by three guest staterooms. However, buyers have the option of placing the master on the main deck and adding a fourth guest cabin below. Given the 95

Raised Pilothouse’s 22’6” (6.9-meter) beam, it’s easy to imagine the option being popular. Either way, crew quarters are fully aft, with access via a transom door or aft-deck stairs.
It’s also easy to imagine a variety of layouts for the flying bridge. Hatteras’ in-house design team is making furnishings and features that can be mixed and matched. These include as a dining table, sunlounges, and a wetbar.

What won’t change is Hatteras’ turnkey approach. “Everything from Zero-Speed stabilizers, bow and stern thrusters, and a premium A/V system to a stocked wine cooler, bath robes, and linens are included,” Meyer explains. Owners will further receive an electronics allowance to select helm electronics that suit their cruising needs. Power-wise, they’ll have a choice between twin 1,900-hp Caterpillar C32 ACERTs and 2,600-hp MTU 16V2000 CR diesels. The Caterpillars should provide a top speed of 25 knots and a cruise speed of 19 knots. The MTUs kick the figures up a bit: 29 and 24 knots, respectively.

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Baglietto Finally Emerges From Bankruptcy, Signs Distribution Deal

February 21, 2012 by

Following a long bankruptcy and setbacks in its acquisition, Baglietto, responsible for launches like Ancòra (pictured), finally has new ownership. It also has a new distribution deal with the Rodriguez Group.

According to news reports in Italy, Beniamino Gavio, executive director of Societa Iniziative Autostradali e Servizi (SIAS), officially took over Baglietto last Monday. Gavio also recently acquired Cerri, another Italy-based yacht and megayacht builder, with all-fiberglass offerings to 102 feet (31 meters). SIAS is an industrial holding company primarily focused on the motorway sector, managing the second-largest percentage of Italian highways. SIAS also has business interests in technology, including fiber optics. As for the two yacht builders, Gavio told reporters last week that a new business plan will be presented soon, along with plans to re-employ craftsmen who were laid off over the two-year bankruptcy period.

To encourage sales for both Baglietto and Cerri, Gavio has signed exclusive worldwide distribution deals with the Rodriguez Group. Model-wise, it’s a good fit. Besides building its own yachts, the Rodriguez Group sells many open-style yachts and megayachts from the likes of Sanlorenzo and Italyachts. The Group is also the parent company of Camper & Nicholsons.

The Rodriguez Group anticipates having the Cerri 86 Flying Sport and Cerri 102 Flying Sport available for sale later this year. New Cerri 90- and 100-foot (27- and 30.5-meter) models will be introduced next year, followed by a 130-footer (39.6-meter) in 2014. No reports yet on new models to come from Baglietto.

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