Horizon has launched its first Horizon PC58, a luxury power catamaran that features the latest technological advancements. The PC58 offers a 20-knot cruising speed and easy maneuverability thanks to its ZF Fly-by-Wire SteerCommand System and ZF Joystick Maneuvering System. The layout features several interior and exterior entertainment areas and three en-suite staterooms. The cockpit includes a teak deck and flybridge.

This new power cat is constructed using the patented SCRIMP resin infused system that Horizon uses on all its yachts, providing a lighter and stronger structure.

You can read more about the PC58 on the official Horizon website. The Horizon PC58 will make her debut October 27-31 at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida is preparing to host the 52nd Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on October 27-31, 2011. This is the type of event that gives Fort Lauderdale its reputation as one of the yachting capitals of the world. This year’s show will cover over 3 million square feet of exhibit space in six locations, with a transportation network of bush shuttles, riverboats and water taxis helping show attendees get from one place to another. Some of the boats and sea vessels that will be on display include cabin cruisers, catamarans, motor yachts, inflatables, ski boat, skiffs and higher performance boats. And of course there will be some superyachts.

Some of the special attractions of the show include Hook the Future Kid Fishing Clinics, the Blue Wild Dive Show and IGFA’s School of Sportfishing.

For more information, visit the official Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show website.

There are certain basic boating skills and safety procedures that everyone who spends time on a boat should know. In a worst-case scenario, the boat’s captain could be incapacitated and someone else will have to take control. Would you know what to do?

Here are some of the things that every crew member should know how to do.

• How to abandon ship in case of fire or other emergency. This includes knowing the location of lifejackets and fire extinguishers and how to use them.

• How to activate and operate the radio.

• How to start and stop the engine.

• How to use the take the controls and perform simple maneuvers.

• What to do if someone goes overboard.

For more detail about what you should know as a crew member and how to get trained, visit the Motor Boating magazine website.

The blogosphere was filled with tales about a mysterious golden superyacht this summer, said to be the most expensive yacht ever constructed. We have to admit that we found the story fascinating and featured it in one of our posts.

The History Supreme was purported to be a superyacht valued at either $5 or $6 billion. The 100-ft yacht was said to be plated with 100,000 kg of gold and platinum. The owner was reported to be a Malaysian businessman who chose to remain anonymous.

The credibility of the story was boosted by the fact that it was featured on the website of Stuart Hughes, a “renowned UK luxury goods designer.” Now the New Zealand Herald reports that the story has been exposed as a hoax by Motorboat Monthly and other publications. One of the arguments against the story is that the amount of gold said to be on the yacht is about three times the amount held by Malaysia’s central bank. Another argument is that all that gold would make the boat would be too heavy to float!

The “photos” of the yacht were apparently lifted from the Baia Yachts website and picture another boat altogether.

The M2-60 power cat combines the highest levels of luxury and performance. This catamaran yacht, which was introduced in 2007, pioneers the use of sophisticated lightweight materials, including a carbon epoxy composite that delivers twice the strength at half the weight of other composites. The M2-60′s top speed of 40 knots can outrun even the worst weather conditions while offering fuel efficiency that is 20-60% greater than comparable vessels.

The M2-60 is equipped with top-of-the-line high tech Ray marine electronics. Its interior features handcrafted elegance and the most exclusive brands of appliances.

M2 Motor Yachts is a company with a multinational tradition, with design offices in Canada, manufacturing in South Africa and marketing in the U.S. Read more about the M2-60 on the M2 Motor Yachts website and see the M2-60 in action in the water in this YouTube video.

The PDQ 34 has a history as one of the most popular power catamarans in North America. It was followed up by the PDQ 41, which made its debut in 2006. One of the most unique features of the PDQ 41 is a master suite on the bridge deck level with windows on all sides. The PDQ 41 also boasts a large flying bridge area that resembles the bridge on a much larger yacht.

The PDQ 41 offers a balance between speed and fuel economy. At a cruising speed of 17-18 knots, approximately 10 gallons of fuel are consumed per hour. Top speed is 24-25 knots.

Read more about the PRQ 41 on the PDQ Yachts website.

The yachting world has reached a new height of outrageousness with the launch of a new superyacht called History Supreme. The yacht, which is now thought to be the most expensive private yacht in the world, was recently unveiled by UK jewelry designer Stuart Hughes. It was created for an anonymous Malayasian businessman and is said to have cost $5 billion.

What does that kind of money buy? The 100 ft. yacht contains 100,000 kg of solid gold accented with platinum and precious stones. The main sleeping quarters feature a wall made from meteor stone and genuine dinosaur bone.

Find out more about History Supreme on the Stuart Hughes website.

Last weekend, the General Tire Diamond Drag Boat Nationals were the inaugural event at the new Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri. In addition to seeing competition that drew more than 150 drag boats from across the country, spectators enjoyed an air show, boat displays, midway vendors and a swimming beach. The new facility allows drag boats to reach speeds of up to 244 mph.

The opening ceremony was attended by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and Senator Mike Parsons.  Read about the race results at the Lucas Oil Speedway website.

The Bamba 50′ catamaran has been described as the first true power-sail hybrid catamaran. This power catamaran sails at 50% wind speed with a range of more than 8000 miles.

The Bamba 50 combines long range ocean trawling and sailing with onboard comfort and luxury. With twin tanks that hold more than 1300 gallons of diesel fuel, the Bamba 50 is equipped for transoceanic voyages.

The Bamba 50 is designed by the naval architect team of Joubert-Nivelt. Find out more about the Bamba 50 on the Bamba Yachts website.

Aspen Power Catamarans build a 28′ C90 Cruiser that features a modern Proa Hull design and 35% more interior hull square footage than comparable monohull designs. The Aspen is equipped with solar panels that can recharge onboard batteries at dock or anchor. Asymmetric hulls and a single diesel engine allow the C90 to use less than 4.5 gal/hour at cruising speeds of 18-20 mph.

Aspen powercats are design by Larry Graf and an engineering team that have more than 30 years of combined catamaran design experience. The C90 Cruiser is a fuel-efficient powercat that is the perfect solution for powercat lovers who care about the environment.

Find out more about Aspen Power Catamarans at the official company website.