Cranchi USA to Introduce Five Exciting New Models At the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- In a move that demonstrates the strength of its commitment to the U.S. market, Italian boat builder Cranchi announced it will introduce five models ranging from 32 to 50 feet at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. "We're making a big splash," says Cranchi USA president James Clayton. These stylish and sophisticated new boats include the Zaffiro 32, MediterranE[umlaut]e 43, MediterranE[umlaut]e 47 HT, MediterranE[umlaut]e 50 HT and the Atlantique 50 - Cranchi's latest flagship. The presentation is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 26, at the Cranchi USA exhibit, Floating Docks FG, Bahia Mar Marina.

Ever since family-owned shipyard Cantiere Nautico Cranchi, SPA, established its North American sales and customer service center in Florida more than a dozen years ago, it has introduced some of the most advanced fiberglass boat designs ever to hit the U.S. market - and these five are no exception. "Once again, Cranchi is setting a trend in the boating industry with the release of these innovative new models," says Clayton. "Among their notable features are custom integrated hardtops, central helm stations and the enormous mid-cabin on the MediterranE[umlaut]e Forty-Three. I wouldn't be surprised if our competitors copied that in the next few years."

ATLANTIQUE 50: Aldo Cranchi, patriarch of the family that has built high quality yachts by the shores of Lake Como for more than 135 years, set the bar high for the company's new flagship. Not only did he demand that the Atlantique 50 be a fully functional flybridge cruiser, but also that she be beautiful. The resulting yacht, which earned raves at its recent European introduction in Genoa, Italy, exceeds expectations on both counts. The Atlantique 50, which measures 51 feet overall with a generous, 14'3" beam, provides three levels of luxurious living. The flybridge holds a large, semicircular dinette that converts to a sumptuous sunpad. On the main deck, stylish aft deck and salon conversation areas make the 50 a superb entertainer. If inclement weather threatens, the lower helm gives the owner more options. Below, three staterooms, including a spacious forward owner's cabin with en suite head, accommodate six. Aldo Cranchi personally designed the Atlantique 50's seaworthy hull, propelled by twin Volvo Penta D9 EVC diesels rated at up to 575 hp.

MEDITERRANEeE 50 HT: For owners who prefer to combine the heady speed of an open yacht with the creature comforts of an enclosed-helm model, Cranchi presents the new MediterranE[umlaut]e HT series. In a master design stroke, the company added custom integrated hardtops to its popular MediterranE[umlaut]e 50, 47 and 43 models that enhance their sleek lines without detracting from their stellar performance. A large automatic sunroof, raked windshield and stylish side windows bring light into the new, sheltered driving and dining spaces the hardtop creates. At the head of the line is the MediterranE[umlaut]e 50 HT. This spacious yacht has a three-stateroom layout that includes a large salon, forward owner's suite, twin cabin and a VIP stateroom with athwartships double berth. A choice of elegant woods and soft goods lets owners personalize the dE[umlaut]cor. With twin 775-hp Volvo Penta D12-800 EVC diesels, the 50 HT cruises hits a swift top end of 37 knots.

MEDITERRANEeE 47 HT: The new 47 HT varies from its 50-foot sibling in one important aspect - it features Cranchi's innovative central helm station. Intelligent engineering led the Cranchi design team to position the console and steering wheel in the center of the boat, rather than off to one side. This provides the driver with improved control and a better view of the water ahead. Two additional helm seats flanking the driver allow passengers to join the action while under way. The 47 HT's two-stateroom interior layout also varies from the 50 HT. The salon, forward owner's suite and amidships twin stateroom are each much larger than you'd expect to find on a yacht measuring 47'4" LOA with a maximum beam of 13'6" which also boasts a spacious garage. The 47 HT's exterior deck spaces are extra-large, featuring giant sunpads fore and aft. Twin Volvo Penta D9 EVC diesels rated at 575 hp provide a top speed of 33.5 knots.

MEDITERRANEeE 43: Aldo Cranchi and his talented team made a design breakthrough with the interior layout of the new MediterranE[umlaut]e 43, available in Open and HT versions. Through innovative space planning, they were able to create a huge amidships VIP stateroom that is just as big as the master suite in the bow. In fact, many owners may claim the new mid-cabin as their personal stateroom. Like the 47 HT, the 43 also has a central helm station for better visibility and control. Other key features include an open-air dining area on the aft deck overlooking a water sports platform trimmed in teak. Power options for the 43 include Volvo Penta's state-of-the-art IPS diesel engines rated at 370 and 435 hp.

ZAFFIRO 32: Named for the west wind, Cranchi's Zaffiro express cruisers are as refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot afternoon. The new Zaffiro 32 fills a gap in this beautifully styled line, which ranges up to 34 feet. This sporty boat stands convention on its head by featuring a central helm station within its spacious cockpit. The driver and passenger seats are located side by side in front of a futuristic console with dedicated space for two large, flush-mounted electronics displays. A convenient wet bar is located just behind the seats. The 32's interior layout is equally unconventional. The galley lies against the salon's rear bulkhead, freeing up space for a large, L-shaped dinette with table and a roomy enclosed head. One couple can enjoy a comfortable night's rest on the forward double berth, while the owner has a separate mid-cabin with king berth. Twin 225-hp Volvo Penta D4 EVC engines with counter-rotating Duoprop drives give the Zaffiro 32 a cruising speed of 30 knots and a breathtaking top end of 38.5 knots - fast enough to take on the west wind.

CRANCHI USA, located in Pompano Beach, Florida, is a factory-authorized sales and service center, providing world-class support for Cranchi boat owners and dealers located throughout North America, including Canada, the Continental U.S. and Mexico. Cantiere Nautico Cranchi, SPA, is an independent, family-run company that was first established in 1870 on the shore of Italy's Lake Como. Today, Cranchi operates four major plants and a marine testing facility, employing a workforce of more than 380 people. Its tradition of old-world craftsmanship combined with cutting-edge boat-building technology, including advanced robotics, ensures the highest possible quality for its boats, ranging from 28 to 50 feet. For more information, call 1-866-CRANCHI or visit www.cranchiusa.com.