Category Archives: Technology

Moonen 82 ALU: New High Speed, Long Range Luxury Yacht

Moonen M825SD

Moonen Shipyards has been building fine custom and semi-custom yachts for more than 25 years.

Based in the charming Dutch town of s-Hertogenbosch, Moonen has an established reputation for superb engineering and boasts an increasing number of large yachts in the works. The newest of these on the drawing board is the 82 ALU high-speed aluminum motoryacht.

The Moonen 82 Alu is designed to reach speeds of 25 knots with an exceptional range for a high-speed luxury yacht. It was the vision of Moonen to create an aluminum range of yachts called the Alu-series. “Our first high-speed yacht of this range was the Moonen 94 Alu NILO and the Moonen 82 Alu is part of a plan tomake a range of boats in various sizes,” comments Emile Bilterijst, Managing Director of Moonen Shipyards. ” The Moonen 82 Alu will combine a high degree of displacement comfort with an option to go 25 knots. As the owners are also looking for low fuel consumption, the hull needs to be very efficient at low speeds. The design for the hull is the subject of extensive research work, including lines models. A stringent testing program is also underway as the yard gears up to start building this exciting new project. Launching is scheduled for 2012. Boatbookings.com has additional information on Moonen Shipyard as well as extensive information on similar luxury charter yachts available in destinations throughout the world at: About Motor Yacht Charter.

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Race Winning Potential: Green Marine Rudder for 216-Foot Vitters Sloop

Green Marine, a leading specialist in high-tech carbon fiber molding, announced their latest accomplishment, the completion of one of the world’s largest composite rudders for an in-build project at Vitters Shipyard in the Netherlands. A performance boat builder in Lymington, UK, Green Marine has built many of the world’s renowned racing and cruising yachts, including Volvo Round the World Race contenders, America’s Cup challengers, and cutting-edge cruising superyachts.

The rudder, designed by Dubois Naval Architects for a new 216-foot sloop, is constructed of carbon fiber for outstanding strength and stiffness at the lowest possible weights. A test program was created to validate the properties of the chosen materials and if the 25-foot rudder meets performance expectations it is likely to impact construction techniques throughout the marine industry.

Green Marine used high-tech 3D precision measurement equipment during construction, which played a vital role in the validation of the accuracy of the foil shape and the bearing alignment. Once in service the rudder will see enormous twisting and bending loads and the Dubois team calculate that the reaction load at the lower bearing will reach up to 160 tonnes. The rudder also features a crash tip that will snap off in the event of the vessel grounding.

Specializing in working with carbon fiber, Green Marine is well placed to have built this innovative rudder, having built rudders for other Vitters super yachts, and more than 50 racing and cruising yachts ranging from 40-130 feet. In recent years, the company has also applied its expertise to a wide variety of composite industrial and commercial components, including steering systems, canards, hatches, water tight doors and superstructures for racing and super yachts.

If you want to feel the adrenaline rush of high performance racing, Boatbookings.com offers information on race destinations and an extensive selection of luxury race yachts. Here is a link to help you set sail: Regatta

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TÛRANOR PlanetSolar: Eco Catamaran Destined as a Luxury Yacht

TûRANOR PlanetSolar reminds me that visionaries of the past, like Isaac Asimov, were closer to future reality than fiction. The goal of the PlanetSolar team is to pioneer the circumnavigation of the globe in a boat driven exclusively by solar power.

Even before embarkation from Monaco on September 27, the TûRANOR PlanetSolar team made impressive advancements in the production and application of composite materials and structures, and the production and storage of solar energy, that will likely set a precedent for future yacht design.

The vision of the project is to enlighten the public about the possibilities and importance of renewable energy as well as practical applications in the increasingly eco conscious marine industry. According to the company, construction costs were a primary consideration, and builds will be kept reasonable and competitive through the use of materials and technologies available today, which have the potential to be mass-produced.

PlanetSolar, which will be home to four sailors during the circumnavigation, is designed as a luxury catamaran yacht with a crew of six, and can accommodate up to forty people while in port. The vessel is presently at the Beach Marina in Miami after cruising 61 days 34 minutes from Monaco with stops in Las Palmas and St. Maarten.

The TÛRANOR PlanetSolar website is informative and fun, with many features including; Google Earth RSS-Feed, live current boat location, photos and logbook. There is even a Virtual Regatta that lets you be the skipper!

If you are interested in eco-friendly charter yachting, Boatbookings.com offers pertinent information that can be found at: Green Chartering – Low Carbon Emissions Charter

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Yachting Destination Bimini Bay Resort Joins Shark-Free Intitiative

The island of Bimini in the Bahamas has long been a paradise for yachtsmen, sport fishermen and water sports enthusiasts. Reputedly discovered by Ponce de Leon in his quest for the Fountain of Youth, Bimini remains an unspoiled place of beauty and serenity.

Bimini Bay Resort and Marina, an elegant complex that welcomes charter guests, is the third resort in Bimini to join the Shark-Free Marinas initiative. A popular destination and leading employer on the island, they hope to educate both tourists and locals with a goal to raise awareness of the need to protect Bimini shark populations.

Shark-Free Marinas participate in a voluntary program that prohibits fisherman from bringing sharks they have caught into their facilities. Participating members support tagging programs and promote catch-and-release techniques. The aim is to reduce the mortal take of sharks and encourage responsible use of the ocean.

The world-renowned Bimini Biological Field Station is a place of interest for those concerned with the health of the oceans. Known as Sharklab, the research facility located on South Bimini studies the many species of shark in the unique habitat of the surrounding waters.

Bimini Bay Resort and Marina welcomes luxury charter yachts to dock and take advantage of their four-star facilities and amenities. For additional destination and yacht charter information Boatbookings.com is an excellent resource. Here is a helpful link: Bahamas Yacht Charter

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YCO Yacht Company Sponsors Charity Expedition to the South Pole

Apparently nobody to date has attempted to travel the 1400 miles roundtrip from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole and back without support or assistance of any kind. Go figure. However, this week Chris Foot will attempt to complete this mission of charity to raise funds and awareness for Combat Stress, an organization dedicated to the mental health of former military personnel.

Chris, who joined the Royal Marines in 1996, has always pushed himself beyond the limit. At the age of 21 he joined the elite Special Air Service as the youngest serving member to gain acceptance. In this capacity and throughout his military career he conquered cold weather and attained mountaineering skills that prepared him for the demanding challenges of polar exploration.

Combat Stress dates back to 1919 and the welfare needs of British servicemen following World War I. Today the organization plays a major role in assisting ex-service people with mental disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. While the expedition costs are covered by corporate sponsorships including YCO, donations in support of Chris’ endeavors are being solicited that will go directly to Combat Stress.

Antarctica is a breathtaking region of pristine natural beauty and extraordinary wildlife. Boatbookings.com features information on luxury yacht charters in this spectacular region.

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