US Airways Launches Non-Stop Service From Boston To St. Thomas This WinterThe USVI Department of Tourism received confirmation that US Airways will commence weekly, non-stop service from Boston’s Logan International Airport to St. Thomas’ Cyril E. King Airport (STT) beginning December 19, 2009 through April 23, 2010. The service represents a new route for the carrier, which will operate on Saturdays. The flights are now available for sale at USAirways.com and all other US Airways ticketing outlets.
Setzer and Icon introduce Vision Line a 70 Metre superyacht
Icon Yachts the Dutch superyacht builder of modular yachts has invited many superyacht designers to produce versions of a super yacht that is individually conceptualised around a standardised platform.
The latest of these is the American yacht architect Ward Setzer, principal of Setzer Design Group, who has introduced the “VL-70,” a sleek, futuristic vessel loaded with all the special features of a world-class Super-Yacht within a standard build-platform.
When challenged by builder to submit a design, Setzer requested that he be allowed to present work with a prominent plumb bow and highly swept and stylised superstructure. To accomplish this, his studio worked closely with Icon to honour the existing platform and yet develop a new bow section for the standard Icon hull form. From there out, the American studio had a blank canvas on which Setzer’s visions for the future of yachting have come to life in detail.
The VL-70 offers six (6) deck levels, from large, below-waterline holds and systems spaces to the top observation deck forward of the mast. With a beam of 11.3M and a draft of 3.4M, the design carries plenty of volume to accommodate large fuel and water stores as well as generous cabins for owners and guests on the multiple levels.
To assist with the massive task of filling out a 70 metre interior, Setzer turned to Adriel Design of Seattle. Prior to starting the project, he felt that a collaborative approach would not only demonstrate the talents of the two distinctly different design firms, but it would also prove that collaboration is the key to the future for many areas of the marine industry.
The vessel will be powered by conventional drive systems and capable of cruising speeds of 15 knots. The hull design has been refined to provide world travel capabilities in comfort and style. A twin tender garage sits within the bow and a full beam toy garage/cabana/spa with dockage doors deploying port and starboard add to vessel conveniences aft. There is a large swimming pool on the aft deck with flanking sun pads, all set with a sculpted aft deck. One level above, a hot tub overflow creates a waterfall landing in the main pool. A heli-pad is integrated into the tail section of the fourth level and a two-level observation lounge and viewing deck is forward and at the base of the mast structure.
Within the vessel, a multi-level glass elevator is the central, defining feature, along with unique hull side windows and recessed balconies that offer dramatic views to the sea. There are six large guest cabins within the lower decks and one master with nearby office/den on the main deck. The vessel also features a theatre space on the upper deck with seating for 16. For the crew, the VL-70 can accommodate 16 within private and shared cabins. The lowest level includes the typical crew lounge, galley and utility areas. This space spans beneath the guest staterooms and houses walk-in refrigeration units and a commercial laundry.
