yachtstyle2020

The 101 is the flagship of the Nomad range

Comfortable cruising around the Asia-Pacific requires much of a luxury yacht. A high degree of self-sufficiency, both in terms of fuel and catering is necessary, while the region’s tropical environments require shade and protection.

Thankfully, the tri-deck Nomad 101 provides it, along with a clutch of expedition-style essentials, such as large storage for watersports gear while providing ample comfort for up to 10 guests.

With a superyacht-level owner’s suite added in for good measure, the Nomad 101 is a desirable vessel. The hull I’m touring, Bluestone, is in charter – for now. When I spoke with the owners, they told me that although they were very happy with the build and the vessel’s operation, they had listed the Sydney-based yacht with Flagship International Brokers for AU$14.5 million (about US$9.8 million).

The Nomad 101 looks stunning in Sydney

CLASSIC DESIGN

British naval architect Andrew Wolstenholme’s penchant for a classic hull shape – flared bows and high bulwarks – combined with contemporary topsides, has shaped the Nomad range since its first launch, the Nomad 65, at the 2015 Dubai International Boat Show.

That distinctive aesthetic was evident in the later 95 model, and now in the 101. Wolstenholme has explained that his combined aims for the range are “comfort and safe handling at sea.”

Fine forward sections give the fibreglass hull a comfortable ride in head seas, and the modified round bilge form with stabiliser fins smooths offshore motion.

Foredecks on two levels offer secure privacy with panoramic views

“The addition of the spray chine defines the lifting surface and gives my hulls a performance close to that of a planing hull at higher speeds, without the hard ride,” said Wolstenholme.

The semi-displacement hull is capable of 21 knots but aims at the lower teens for cruising. Owners and guests enjoy ample privacy, with four levels, fore and aft cockpits, plus areas such as the Portuguese walk-around on the upper deck and a water-level beach club below.

HOME TO THE MAIN FOCUS

The main deck on the Nomad 101 combines relaxation with fun. The owner’s suite is forward, giving panoramic views from its elevated position while aft is the saloon and aft deck lounge.

The aft main deck is spacious with good practicalities – oversized cleating all round, and large capstans for stern-to berthing.

Behind this is easy access to the swim platform and a dinghy garage that doubles as a beach club with Gulf Craft-made teak furniture. The garage is large enough to hold a triple-seat jet ski along with the zippy Williams TurboJet 325 tender, and its door works as a sunshade when open.

Teak-clad stairs take me up to the main-deck cockpit, which features practical details such as large capstans for easy stern-to berthing.

Wide and tinted sliding doors lead into the 35sqm main saloon. Cream tones, including on cabinetry, combine with dark wood flooring to set a contemporary yet comfortable ambience. Interiors incorporate a range of sustainable materials called for in the creative brief.

The wide hydraulic platform and equally large dinghy garage create a genuine beach club on the 101

Cream lounge fabric Piñatex, a natural textile derived from pineapple-leaf fibre is used along with other natural fibres including hemp, linen and wool. ‘Serene’ interior trim, developed by the Dutch design firm Phantom Studio, layers delicate tones and textures to imbue surroundings with a sense of calm.

As I relax on the vast and sumptuous L-shaped couch, tall vertical bulkhead windows reveal clear views across the marina. Forward of here is the dining area with an inlaid stone-topped table that seats 10. Here, a wood-veneer ‘feature wall’ between the saloon and galley also works as a sound-dampening bulkhead when underway.

Another sliding door reveals the 8sqm main galley, where a sturdy mechanical pantograph door gives crew access to wide side decks.

Dutch firm Phantom Studio installed plenty of sustainable materials

Siemens appliances are used throughout, including a four-burner hob, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher and microwave. The longitudinal galley has ample room for the chef and hostess to prepare food on the long quartz benchtops, with a deep sink inboard and panoramic sea views outboard.

Other utilities, such as the laundry and crew quarters are in the aft section of the lower deck, together with a spacious captain’s cabin, fully-equipped mess and ablutions. All are done well, and make me wish the same had been so back in the 1990s, during my time as a superyacht engineer.

Protected nooks with tables and chairs across decks make taking in the sea air manageable in all but severe weather conditions

Adjoining this area is the engine-room door and inside there’s good access around the twin MTU V12 shaft drives (or the twin CAT C32 ACERT option) for servicing. Other main systems are the twin Caterpillar 45kVA generators and the watermaker.

Beyond the galley on the main deck is a 25sqm foredeck that sits ahead of the owner’s cabin, where a stateroom gives 270-degree views and a lounging balcony forward. Inside, there’s a large, double walkaround bed with desk and chaise longue, a sturdy door to the starboard deck, and ample hanging storage in two full-length wardrobes.

Vast windows throughout the Andrew Wolstenholme-designed hull create an airy ambience on this 100-footer, yet the interior is nicely shaded because of the near-vertical bulkheads

A composite stone made of recycled plastic bottles and quartz was chosen for the hard surfaces, while underfoot, the deep wool carpet helps keep the space quiet.

Curved cabinetry includes space for an elevated 55in TV and entertainment hub. Privacy is ensured via electric blinds all around. In the bathroom, marble cladding contrasts stylishly with the lightwood cabinetry and a large shower cubicle.

The airy owner’s suite on the main deck, decorated in calming tones, with several sustainable materials used

All four guest cabins are in the lower deck, along with the crew cabins, providing privacy to the owner above. All cabins have en-suites. The VIP forepeak cabin would be my pick, best enjoyed at a secure berth as it will feel motion when underway.

UPPER DECK

An internal staircase leads to the bridge deck with the 16sqm Sky Lounge behind it. This is also a perfect relaxation place with unhindered views, and part of 35sqm of exterior upper-deck space.

At the helm station, the layout is well done: 19in Garmin screens are divided between navigation and operations on one side, and engineering and chain counters on the other. There is an electrohydraulic steering wheel, Humphree stabiliser management, thruster levers, the control panel for the Interceptor tabs and a main power cut-off switch.

The helm has deck access to the Portuguese bridge; ideal for the skipper during tight berthing

An extensive CCTV system allows the skipper to monitor the engine room and other critical operational spaces. The twin MTU V12-2000s have dedicated data screens, and there’s a captain’s office up here as well.

Beyond, stairs lead up to the flybridge, where there’s another helm forward to starboard with two Garmin 17in screens, throttles and thrusters. Behind is the aptly named Sky Lounge with study, teak flooring and moveable furniture should you feel like dancing.

The bottom line? The Nomad 101 is aptly named because it’s a yacht that offers it all.

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