The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration launched a new public site Monday, June 14, that allows visitors to monitor the Gulf oil spill. GeoPlatform.gov, constructed much like Google Earth, gives access to the same information used by recovery officials, including an interactive tracking map, seafloor maps, offshore and near-shore weather forecasts, satellite, radar and aerial imagery and live AIS reports for ships in the Gulf.

Created in cooperation with University of New Hampshire’s Coastal Response Research Center, the interactive map pulls information automatically from a variety of Web resources and then displays that information at the correct location on a map.

Additional contributors to the site include ESRI Inc., which has developed a social network map of the Gulf oil spill that integrates with Twitter and YouTube feeds. Google provides multiple data layers to track the slick, including overlays of satellite and data images of the placement of booms to contain the oil.

BP announced that it plans to send more vessels to the spill with a goal to triple their capacity to capture oil by the end of this month, and recover as much as 80,000 barrels by mid-July.

Supremely elegant BLUE SCORPION has recently become available for Mediterranean charters. The yacht, which launched from the Baglietto shipyard in 2006, was distinguished as the first of the yard’s series of 53-meter displacement motor-yachts.

Francesco Paszkowski is responsible for the stunning exterior styling and interior design of this luxury yacht that features spacious accommodation for 10 guests. A serene Asian theme throughout serves to integrate interior spaces and infuse surroundings with a meditative calm.

On the main deck, neutral wood paneling, window treatments and ceilings with gentle recessed lighting exude earthy warmth. Asian style furnishings, a collection of interpretive and ancient Asian art and accent pieces serve to cleverly define areas without disrupting the open architectural plan.

Guest suites beautifully integrate the same Asian elegance and simplicity of design through the use of wood paneling on walls and ceiling, crisp white fabrics, Asian furnishings and traditional art.

On the flybridge, the expansive open space is perfect for a sizeable party or an intimate gathering. Equipped with an elevated oversize Jacuzzi and sunpad forward, it is an ideal spot to absorb magnificent panoramic views.

Although new to the charter market, there is no doubt that BLUE SCORPION will quickly become a yacht in great demand by the most discriminating charter clients.

LOA: 174’
Beam: 33’
Draft: 9.78’
Engines: Twin Cat 3516 B DITA SWAC
Max speed: 17 knots
Cruise speed: 15.5 knots
Range at 12 knots: 4,500 NM
Fuel: 25,070 Gal
Water: 6600 Gal
Stabilizers: Naiad zero-speed