The new Vallicelli-designed Open 55 yacht Riviera di Rimini is having a good year. After clipping five hours off the Rimini-Corfu-Rimini race record, with another Vallicelli design and last year's winner Gaia Legend finishing just 1/2 minutes astern after 1000 miles racing, she went on to win the prestigious Rolex Cup Giraglia Race from Saint Tropez to San Remo leaving much larger boats in her wake. With asymmetrical spinnaker flying from a retractable bowsprit she has sailed significantly faster than true wind speed. Probing the Vallicelli office we find that many megabytes of highly developed CAD software underlie this design which combines a mere 6.2 tons displacement with low wetted surface area and high righting moment depending on water ballast. Built by Soleri Shipyard the boat makes extensive use of carbon fibers. Her lead bulb keel is remarkable for its extremely high aspect ratio with maximum chord length of only 2ft 5in.

Contact: A. Vallicelli & Co. Naval Architects & Yacht Designers Via A. Caroncini 58-00197 Rome, Italy Tel: +39 6 8081910, Fax: +39 6 8081930

Given 22 years experience amounting to over 130 designs including Italian America's Cup challengers it is no surprise that Vallicelli & Co.'s new 78ft 4in cruising sloop currently being built at Tencara Shipyard, Venice, is forward thinking and a fast mover. Extensive tank testing has resulted in a low displacement of 30 tons and a small pitching moment which has been helped by stowing the anchor chain well back from the bow. Wich tall four-spreader carbon mast and a lead bulb keel extending draft to a fraction over 13ft the yacht promises spirited upwind performance. Twin rudders should improve steering both when heeling on the wind and running in the tow of over 5300sqft of spinnaker. Although the 78 has a plumb bow and shallow canoe-like body the broad transom stern overhangs by about 6ft and a retractable bowsprit adds a further 6ft 7in to the overall length making a graceful profile in combination with an ultra-low coachroof. The deck layout has been arranged with a guests' center cockpit wich dining table protected by a folding bimini hood and giving direct access to the saloon. A separate crew cockpit aft places twin wheels well ahead of the winches so that the helmsman has an uncluttered view. Movement about the yacht is made safer by the mainsheet traveler spanning the coachroof and sheets running beneath wide side decks. Down below, the crew quarters and galley are aft while the central saloon with 10-seater dining table benefits from large overhead windows. Two guest staterooms and a twin-bed owners' suite with separate shower are forward. With her broad 20ft 4in beam carried well aft the stern has ample room for a tender garage.

Contact: A. Vallicelli & Co., Naval Architects & Yacht Designers, Via A. Caroncini 58 - 00197 Rome, Italy Tel: +39 6 8081910, Fax: +39 6 8081930

NAIAD Roll Control

Angle, rate and acceleration are the three ingredients of a roll, which contribute to motion sickness in all but the hardiest of constitutions. SuHerers staring unsteadily towards the horizon will know that stern and quartering seas are the worst culprits. Now the Digital Controller from NAIAD Marine and Vosper Thornycroft can be retrofitted tb any brand of stabilizer to subdue rolling to comfortable levels. The controller is especially recommended for vessels over 100ft. Underwritten by a two-year guarantee and supported by a global service network this device must be preferable to spending a voyage on dry bread and water rations. Delta Marine, Trinity's Victory Lane series and Broward Marine are among first clients.

Contact: NAIAD Marine Systems, Van Dusen & Meyer, Inc., 50 Parrott Dr., Shelton CT 06484-0558 Tel: (800) 760-NAIAD or (203) 929-6355, Fax: (203) 929-3594