| While the size of one's boat may set yachtsmen | | | | technologically advanced yacht to ever float across |
| apart, the underlying commonality is that all yacht | | | | the waters. Strident progress has been made in |
| owners are seamen at heart. Making a big splash on | | | | shipbuilding technology over the past 10 years, and |
| the marine scene today calls for something of | | | | this craft has incorporated it all. The innovative |
| substantive value. While every yacht out there is not | | | | technology addresses environmental and operational |
| a superyacht of 100 feet or more, or a | | | | issues, reduces noise level, and facilitates maintenance |
| mega-superyacht exceeding 200 feet in length, it | | | | and favorably. Specifically, it burns fuel more |
| should be equally superb as a looker and a performer. | | | | efficiently and is easier to keep in tip-top condition. |
| Here is a recap of some the yacht builders we | | | | Measuring out at 62 meters, it is nearly 30 feet |
| presented over the past year or so. Each one is a | | | | longer than the previous Rasselas. |
| shipbuilder of worldwide acclaim. Trinity Yacht can | | | | Thank goodness the Burger Boat Company was |
| produce a 400-foot-long vessel. Azimut Yachts is | | | | revitalized in the early 90s and put back in the |
| renowned for its advancements in soundproofing | | | | waters of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, by its new owners, |
| technology. Christensen Shipyards has built more | | | | David Ross and Jim Ruffolo. Founded in 1863 by |
| yachts measuring 120 feet or longer of composite | | | | Henry B. Burger, the contributions this organization |
| materials than any other builder. The Burger Boat | | | | made to the U.S. and to the boating industry are |
| Company built numerous vessels for the U.S. during | | | | historic, patriotic and most inventive. From 1870 to |
| wartime. The firm also produced the first | | | | the turn of the century, the firm specialized in |
| all-steel-welded hull made in the U.S. All are capable of | | | | manufacturing steamers, tugs, scows, schooners and |
| fulfilling a buyer's vision of a "dreamboat," whether it | | | | barges to support the industrialization efforts of the |
| is a power or a sailing yacht. | | | | USA. During World War I, Burger manufactured 22 |
| Presenting the newest, the best, and the most | | | | vessels for the U.S. Navy and Emergency Corps. |
| innovative in all matters of luxury lifestyle is a | | | | READ MORE |
| never-ending process. So stay tuned. More | | | | When the topic of the conversation turns to yachts, |
| noteworthy and up-and-coming yacht builders will be | | | | the size of a vessel is generally at the top of the |
| introduced throughout 2007 - and beyond. | | | | pecking list. However, the more significant issue |
| Azimut Yachts offer the best combination of | | | | regarding long-term value is the materials used in the |
| features and benefits to its lucky owners. The | | | | construction of ships. Christensen Shipyards has built |
| Azimut 85, which premiered at the Genoa Boat Show | | | | more 120-plus-feet yachts with composite materials |
| in October 2005, is luxury afloat at its finest. The 85's | | | | than any shipbuilder in the world. Composite materials |
| length is actually a tad longer than its name and 22 | | | | eliminate rust and corrosion and provide better |
| feet wide. Stephano Righini designed the exterior and | | | | insulation and strength compared to ships built from |
| Carlo Galeazzi manned the interior. The advanced | | | | aluminum and steel. This makes overall maintenance |
| soundproofing techniques and windows on both | | | | easier and extends the life of a ship threefold |
| decks are only two of the yacht's noteworthy and | | | | compared to those predominantly constructed with |
| unique features. | | | | metals. Christensen Shipyards is a certified shipbuilder |
| Marquis Yacht is a U.S.-based firm that is definitely on | | | | by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), which |
| the rise. With each release, beginning with the Carver | | | | was established in 1862 and is the governing agency |
| 59 Marquis, the company is diligently establishing its | | | | for safety standards of the marine industry. ABS is a |
| niche for launching innovative, Italian-inspired-designed | | | | non-profit organization with 150 offices in 70 |
| yachts. The 59 features twin 660 horsepower | | | | countries. |
| Cummins QSM11 diesel inboards, with the option to | | | | Trinity Yacht encourages all yachtsmen to have it |
| upgrade to twin 825 horsepower MTU Series 60 | | | | your way! Whether you are seeking a 72-footer, a |
| diesel inboards. The ship's overall length is nearly 60 | | | | 200-footer or a whopping 400-footer, your selection |
| feet with platform and a waterline length that | | | | is built and designed to meet and, probably, exceed |
| exceeds 45 feet. Standard features include a | | | | your expectations. Trinity can place bid on designs |
| hydraulic swim platform and fore and aft | | | | drawn up independently from outside sources or |
| shore-power ties. | | | | provide patrons with designs stemming from either |
| Saying it in Italian just sounds more romantic than | | | | its Victory Lane or Global Explorer series. |
| saying it in English. But no matter how you say it, the | | | | It is very difficult to begin a sentence with a |
| 44.8-meters long Gran Finale by Delta Marine is one | | | | company that prefers not to capitalize its name or |
| beautiful boat! Launched in 2002, this tri-deck is the | | | | products, such as eLuxury, iPod, or oceAnco. |
| winner of the 2003 "Best Motor Yacht Over 38 | | | | However, what oceAnco does capitalize wisely are |
| Meters" by Showboats International. Its | | | | its resources when it comes to designing and building |
| all-encompassing craftsmanship is perhaps the boat's | | | | superyachts. The firm has built some of the finest |
| greatest benefit. However, providing a smooth ride | | | | 50-meter-plus vessels to clientele around the world. |
| at a cruising speed of 18 knots and a top speed over | | | | Its main office is in Monaco, and its shipyard is based |
| 20 knots, with its twin Caterpillar 3512B engine, is | | | | in Albasserdam, Holland. The yacht builder's Web site |
| quite impressive too. | | | | boasts of 16 launched boats. Over the past three |
| International Yacht Collection is a fourfold specialist in | | | | years, oceAnco has launched three stunning |
| the luxury boating industry. The firm is capable of | | | | 60-meter-plus yachts: the Lady Lola at 62.6 meters, |
| managing and maintaining a yacht for personal or | | | | the Alfa Four at 60 meters, and the Dilbar at 66 |
| corporate owners; taking a boating project from | | | | meters. The Dilbar has two master suites and a dip |
| inception to design to completion; offering brokering | | | | pool on its sundeck that is over 15 feet wide. Mr. |
| services; and yacht-chartering specialists for either | | | | Alberto Pino is the interior designer of the steel hull |
| corporate or personal needs. | | | | with an aluminum superstructure, and oceAnco is |
| The Rasselas, the latest vessel launched by Feadship | | | | both the naval architect and the exterior designers. |
| De Vries of the Netherlands, is the most | | | | |