Reviews

Sunseeker, 100 Yacht, Cannes Yachting Festival, Mark Chinery, Bryan Jones, Yacht Style, 76 Yacht, 88 Yacht, 95 Yacht, 90 Ocean, Ocean 182, Ocean 156

Sunseeker’s Top 100 Yacht

Reviews / By yachtstyle2020

Sunseeker’s Top 100 Yacht

June 8, 2023
3:19 pm

A strong statement that the British builder’s sporty DNA is still alive and kicking, the Sunseeker 100 Yacht can reach up to 30 knots, while its many attractions include walkaround access between the flybridge and foredeck, as well as a stunning owner’s suite fronted by a cosy bow terrace.
Words: John Higginson Photos: Sunseeker

The 100 Yacht at rest

Even when Sunseeker’s 100 Yacht is at rest, she looks like she’s ‘already moving’. The aggressive lines and sharp angles of this shark-like flagship of the Yacht series of larger flybridge models show the British shipyard staying true to its performance heritage while introducing a series of notable new features, many combined on a yacht of this length for the first time.

Joining the 76 Yacht, 88 Yacht and 95 Yacht, the 100 Yacht is a stylistic alternative to the likes of the beamy 90 Ocean, the first model in Sunseeker’s growing series of big-volume vessels and set to be followed by its skylounge edition, Ocean 182, and the shorter Ocean 156, both named after their volume in GT.

Powerful, lean and muscular, the 100 Yacht is even a little imposing from afar. It’s 9ft longer than the 90 Ocean and 20 tonnes heavier, yet it’s almost 1ft narrower. It’s just a different physique altogether, yet one that also has a sub-24m load line length, with her CE Category A certification easing demands on owners and crew.

The 100 Yacht can reach 30 knots

And just like the 88 Yacht did when it debuted alongside the 90 Ocean and others as part of the ‘Sunseeker Famous Five’ a couple of years ago, the 100 Yacht proves that both ranges can run in parallel and achieve great success.

Sunseeker announced 15 hulls had been sold by late April, an impressive tally considering the 100 Yacht only debuted at the Cannes Yachting Festival last September and that the similar-sized 30M sold 17 during its entire life span over a decade ago.

Furthermore, the recent launch of the fourth unit of the 100 Yacht revealed dramatic Midnight Grey paintwork that should gain the new model further attention this summer.

The X-TEND™ can be raised to cockpit level

“The 100 Yacht is a fusion of our expertise in design and ultra-modern styling, and it’s a response to us listening to client feedback, asking what the market needs,” says Mark Chinery, Sunseeker’s Sales Manager. “We want to lead the market and we want a yacht that turns heads and appeals to owners.”

WALKAROUND TOP DECK

While sharing some of the styling and big-boat attributes of the 116 Yacht and tri-deck 131 Yacht, both now grouped in the builder’s Superyacht series, the 100 Yacht is more cohesive, with long bands of glazing all pointing to the knifelike bow, which cradles one of the model’s signature features – the owner’s private forepeak terrace.

However, it’s worth noting that there are other ways to reach this cosy nook other than through the master suite. After all, this is the first Sunseeker to feature full walkaround access between the aft flybridge and the foredeck.

The flybridge includes a jacuzzi, sunbeds, bar, dining table and sofas

There are at least three ways to reach the foredeck from the aft cockpit, with the flybridge providing the scenic route among the two outdoor paths. After heading up the starboard stairs to the flybridge, guests are provided with a first view of the starboard walkway, which spans much of the length of the top deck.

The stairway emerges behind a long bar that faces fixed bar stools as well as a huge, foldable dining table and lots of seating to port, all of which can be specified by the owner. The aft open area of the flybridge can feature one of three spa tubs offered by Sunseeker and integrated sunpads or space for free-standing sunbeds.

The foredeck is accessible from the aft flybridge and port stairs

Forward are two L-shaped sofas either side of the sliding glass companionway door to the pilothouse, although an outdoor helm is an option in place of the starboard corner couch. The new hard top design has the option of a sunroof or adjustable slats and is wide enough to cover the start of both side passages to the foredeck.

The forward social areas start with a C-shaped sofa – with fridge drawers to hand – and a table across from an opposing sofa, which is integrated aft of a magnificent quadruple sunpad with electrically adjustable backrests. This area can be covered by a bimini, then when the sun goes down, it can be transformed into an open-air cinema with a laser projector and 140-inch screen.

The forepeak is a few steps down from the walkaround foredeck and flybridge

To port are a few steps leading down to the forepeak, but as this area was designed for the owner’s use, we’ll retrace our steps to the aft cockpit and take the indoor route through the saloon.

X-TENDING SOCIAL OPTIONS

Before heading indoors, it’s worth having a closer look at the cockpit and the whole aft area. The cockpit can be arranged with free-standing or fixed furniture, with guests able to enjoy clear sea views and the beach club through the glass balustrade. In the forward port corner is an integrated wet bar with a fridge, ice maker, stainless-steel sink and storage.

The X-TEND™ folded out as a sofa

Furthermore, the 100 Yacht is Sunseeker’s third model to be offered with the X-TEND™ option, following the 88 Yacht and 90 Ocean. This remarkable in-house system folds out to become a huge sunpad above the swim platform or can be raised to main-deck level, creating a forward-facing sunpad and a nicely protected social area once the balustrade doors are opened.

The X-TEND™ is also the door to the impressive tender garage, which can house a Williams SportJet 460, 3.5m three-seat jetski, diving equipment, paddleboards and other water toys, along with dedicated Seabob storage. Should a bigger tender be required, or the garage needed for other items, it’s worth noting that the bathing platform can take up to a Williams DiesetJet 565.

The X-TEND™ raises to reveal the garage

A hydraulic ladder passarelle allows guests to easily access the toys and make the most of their time in the water, while Sunseeker’s renowned Beach Club offering includes an oversized rain shower and large built-in barbecue.

CALM INDOORS

In contrast to the array of enticing options and attractions in the outdoor areas, the interior – designed with long-time collaborator Design Unlimited – is refreshingly calming.

The calm saloon

It oozes a refined luxury that almost sits midway between the formal, intricate detailing seen in the 88 Yacht and the relaxed, laid-back vibe of the 90 Ocean.

The 100 Yacht benefits from floor-to-ceiling glazing, which provides magnificent views and allows for masses of natural light during the day. The standard layout for the saloon includes a large, L-shaped sofa to port and a 55-inch standing TV to starboard, where low cabinets ensure the window views take centre stage during the day.

The dining table seats 10 guests

Forward is a dining table for eight to 10 people, with Sunseeker offering the option of sliding doors on the starboard side, allowing for a cool breeze and easy access to the half-length side deck for an evening stroll or a chat overlooking the water.

A central cabinet and feature wall forward of the dining area also act as a screen for the central staircases – floating steps from port up to the wheelhouse, and the carpeted starboard stairway down to the four en-suite guest cabins.

VIP suite to port

The lower-deck hallway leads aft to two almost mirror VIP suites, each with an inward-facing double bed, bedside tables and an 11ft-long bathroom aft. Forward are two guest cabins, both with aft-facing single beds that can be slid together to form a double, while each room can also be fitted with a Pullman berth to expand the overnight capacity to 12 guests.

OWNER’S HAVEN

Back up on the main deck, the starboard hallway leads to the day head before the entrance to the master suite, which is arguably the crowning glory of the interior design.

Hall leading to the master suite

The long lobby is flanked to port by cupboards and drawers then a magnificent walk-in wardrobe with full-length mirror and feature shelving, while to starboard is an elegant countertop and long drawers next to a longer vanity desk and drawers following the same design.

Entering the main bedroom provides the view that puts a smile on your face, with beautifully designed, curved cabinets framing a feature stairway up to a sliding glass companionway door that provides direct access to the forepeak.

The entrance hallway is flanked by a desk, drawers, cupboards and walk-in wardrobe

It’s a stunning sight and one the owners can wake up to every day from their bed. However, it’s still not quite as nice as the almost 360-degree vistas from the bow terrace, where the teak decking – free of any hardware – can cosily fit two chairs and a table, ideal for coffee or a quiet place to read.

“Overall, the most innovative parts of the 100 Yacht have had a great response and the owner’s suite with the walkthrough to the forepeak has gone down really, really well,” says designer Ewen Foster, Sunseeker’s Chief Technical Officer, who has worked with the shipyard since 1985.

The master suite features a stunning stairway up to the forepeak

“The bow terrace is still a practical area for the anchoring side of things, but once you’re at anchor, it can be set up for the owners.”

The bedroom also has a pop-up TV port of the stairs, while the bathroom is aft of the bed on port side and features twin sinks and mirrors, a rain shower and an enclosed toilet with sink.

The private forepeak is a signature feature

As well as guest flow, crew flow was also essential in early design and development. Sunseeker is quick to emphasise that the bow terrace works as well as it does for the owners because service to the foredeck can be quick, with easy access from the galley via stairs from the port side deck.

“We’ve worked hard with our team and with clients and crew to make sure the circulation around the yacht works internally and externally,” Chinery says.

The forward part of the galley

Situated forward of the dining room to port, the galley starts with two full-height fridge-freezers and a sink, countertop and storage below the window, while inboard is a spacious three-sided working area with masses of storage.

Beside the side deck door, a forward staircase leads down to an impressive crew quarters featuring an L-shaped dinette, corner galley, laundry facilities, a captain’s cabin with en-suite to port, and two en-suite bunk-bed cabins forward.

The pilothouse

The pilothouse, linked by separate stairways to the galley entrance and the flybridge, has a single captain’s chair facing a console topped by three Simrad screens, with an oversized chart table to port and L-shaped companion seating in the aft starboard corner. Wing stations are fitted as standard, while an outdoor helm on the flybridge is optional.

Chinery, for one, has been impressed with the performance of the 100 Yacht along with the comfort, both in terms of vibrations and volume. “It’s a very quiet, smooth ride. I was astounded at how peaceful it was.”

Evening lighting on show

Sunseeker offers owners plenty of choice in terms of décor, furniture and fixtures, but the 100 Yacht is already a popular proposition due to its thoughtful layout and many highlights, be it the large tender and toy storage, beach club attractions including the X-TEND™, the walkaround top deck with numerous different social areas, or the master suite with the private terrace.

“The 100 Yacht has multiple unique selling points,” Chinery says. “Bringing them together in a single package of this size has been a significant achievement that our clients are now enjoying.”
www.sunseeker.com

Fountaine Pajot’s stylish, sexy sedan

Reviews / By yachtstyle2020

Fountaine Pajot’s stylish, sexy sedan

June 1, 2023
11:25 am

The French multihull builder has maintained a long commitment to powercats, but shook up the market with its sedan-style MY4.S, the new 36ft entry model for its four-model motor yacht range.
Words: Emmanuel Van Deth Photos: Fountaine Pajot

Below 1,400rpm, the range of the MY4.S is over 1,000nm

Fountaine Pajot’s introduction of the MY4.S coincided with the rebranding of its Motor Yachts range, with MY5 and MY6 becoming the new names for the MY40 and MY44 respectively. The idea was to give ‘monohull equivalent’ references in terms of surface area and volume, with the MY5 corresponding to a 50ft motorboat and the MY6 to a small 60ft motor yacht.

As for the 36ft MY4.S, it’s comparable to 40ft monohulls. And the S stands for sedan or ‘sportop’, as Fountaine Pajot describes it. The La Rochelle builder has opted for a racy design by sacrificing the flybridge, an option offered on the MY37 it succeeds while sharing its hulls.

With no flybridge, the MY4.S becomes a very elegant sedan

The manufacturer has done well. Daniel Andrieu’s design already offered excellent seakeeping qualities, with hulls characterised by particularly fine-entry bows and a chine so marked that it forms a deep recess on the bows. However, above the chine, everything is new.

And what stands out is the finesse of the coachroof. Without the flybridge, the 4.S becomes a very elegant sedan, capable of holding its own among the gleaming single-hulled weekenders.

POWER AND RANGE

Fountaine Pajot offers twin 150hp or 250hp Yanmar engines, the latter featuring on our test model. The MY37 was equipped with two 150hp Volvo engines as standard and 220hp versions as an option, and the extra 60hp on the MY4.S increases the top speed from 20 to 23 knots.

The cockpit bimini neatly extends the coachroof lines

The helm, without being hard, responds well and the trajectory is always precise. We find the same excellent behaviour as aboard the MY37: perfectly flat turns, smooth passage in short chop, absence of spray – it’s literally broken by the chine – and hulls optimised for cruising between 9-15 knots in open water.

The best illustration of the efficiency at these speeds is that the range is greater when motoring at 13 knots than at 11!

Due to the low-consumption engines, efficient hulls and fuel tanks totalling 1,200 litres, the range of the MY4.S is 1,600nm at five knots and even more than 1,000nm at six knots. The MY4.S lends itself to a programme of weekend boating, as well as semi-high-speed cruising, although the range is about 400nm at 18 knots or 265nm at full speed.

Strangely enough, it’s during low-speed sailing that the underside of the nacelle or the flat face of the chines are likely to slam a little. When manoeuvring in port, you can play with the twin engines to pivot at will, although a bow thruster is an option. Housed in large compartments at the stern, the engines are easy to access, while camera surveillance of the engine rooms is also an option.

CLEAN DECK PLAN

The increasing willingness of boat builders to install flybridges on all their boats has almost made us forget the charm and features of a sedan. In addition to a much more elegant silhouette, this configuration benefits from better weight distribution and frees up the cockpit or side decks from one or two stairways.

The 8ft 6in-wide cockpit sofa can be converted into a sunbathing area

The cockpit is equipped with a large bench seat spanning 8ft 6in (2.6m) that can be converted into a sunbathing area. Optional extras include a fixed or hydraulic platform, a galley and an outdoor table.

The side decks are 1ft 5in (43cm) wide at the cockpit end and relatively narrow compared to those of sailing multihulls. Yet this is not surprising when you consider the beam of the MY4.S is 16ft 9in (5.1m), which is 4ft 10in (1.5m) thinner than a similar-length sailing cat, for example.

The solid foredeck incorporates a large sunbathing area

Moving around on board is made safe by a stainless-steel rail and the small handrail near the cockpit deserves to be complemented by optional handholds on the coachroof. The solid foredeck offers large sunbathing areas. Ground tackle and other lockers are ready to use.

FINE FINISH, OPEN TOP

The aft bay window forms a nice, wide opening. In the interior by Pierangelo Andreani, the saloon has a similar layout to the MY37, with the galley on port side, dining area to starboard, and helm station forward. However, the overall finish seems much more flattering, in keeping with the builder’s increasingly sophisticated interiors.

The cockpit sofa backrests can fold down

The builder has set the bar very high, always with the aim of being a credible competitor to the single hulled weekenders, which are generally quite luxuriously finished. The headroom in the saloon is very comfortable, at 6ft 9in (2.07m). The galley countertop is a useful size, at 8ft 10in (2.71m) in length, and there’s a double sink, two-ring burner, refrigerator and numerous storage spaces.

The dining area is a bit more modest and features a kind of L-shaped sofa and a table measuring 2ft 4in by 2ft (70cm x 60cm), with the option of a foldout version. You can share a meal with five people, but not really any more, without using stools that would inevitably interfere with circulation.

The opening sunroof and fold-out dining table are appealing options

Up front, the helm station and companion seating occupy a central space under the windscreen. You can stand or sit at the twin helm seat, which can be raised a few inches for the shorter to medium-sized skipper. From the control helm to port of the centreline, you have an excellent view of the water, except for two small blind spots aft.

Natural light simply floods in: first of all, because the windows are an imposing size, up to almost 3ft high and quite clear. As for the coachroof uprights, they’re slender. Above your head is a car-like sunroof, but an extra-large version.

The Pierangelo Andreani interior includes an almost 9ft-long galley countertop with a TV

The control for this is a bit lazy, but you can sail as if with the top down or almost. The sunroof and electric awning add more than €24,000 (before tax) and an owner could pay almost €200,000 in options and a ‘Pack’ (Exclusive, Gold or Platinum) for a well specced model.

MAESTRO OR QUATUOR

On the Maestro version, the port hull is dedicated to the owner. There is a large semi-island bed with a width of 5ft 3in (1.6m), plenty of storage, an incredible sea view, two ventilation openings and a beautiful bathroom in the bow. Headroom is 6ft 3in (1.91 m), with the floor set four steps or 3ft 5in (1.03m) below the saloon.

On the Maestro version, the port hull is dedicated to the owner’s suite

The starboard hull houses two cabins and a shared central bathroom. The aft berth is as generous as that in the port hull, although the forward berth is a little less inviting, measuring 4ft 11in (1.5m) wide at the pillow end as you walk in, and just 2ft 4in (0.70m) at the forward end. This twin-cabin, one-head set-up is mirrored in the port side in the four-cabin Quatuor version.

Aft, the sound volume remains contained, even with the motors at higher rpm, although a few squeaks can sometimes be heard. Each cabin has two opening windows to ensure effective ventilation.

In the starboard hull, the aft guest cabin offers a wide semi-island bed

Even more convincing to former sailors, Fountaine Pajot’s challenge with its MY range is to shake up the supremacy of monohulls. By opting for a range – and model names – that highlight the surface area and volume provided by a catamaran, and now by offering a very elegant Sedan version, the manufacturer is widening its appeal.

And we can’t blame the builder for sharing the hulls of the former MY37. Firstly, because the design is proven, and secondly, because the previous model sold 72 units, which bodes well for the MY4.S.

www.fountaine-pajot.com

Leopard Powercat family’s new cub

Reviews / By yachtstyle2020

Leopard Powercat family’s new cub

May 25, 2023
12:50 pm

Following the 53 and 46 models, the sharp-lined, three-cabin 40 Powercat completes Leopard’s new family of power catamarans by Simonis Voogd Design.
Words: Valencia Tong Photos: Leopard

Twin 370hp engines powered hull one to 23 knots in sea trials

On a breezy day at this year’s Palm Beach International Boat Show in March, Leopard’s booth was packed with chic, pastel-clad visitors eager to tour the yachts on display. As the newest of the brand’s three power catamarans, the Leopard 40 Powercat was again in the spotlight.

The model had its world premiere at the Miami International Boat Show the previous month, while hull two was allocated for the model’s European debut at the International Multihull Show on France’s south coast in April.

At the Palm Beach show, the 40-footer attracted families and couples, who took turns to explore the features of the exciting new catamaran designed to make exciting travel dreams come true.

The 40 Powercat can be fitted with solar panels

A family in pale pink, floral outfits hopped onto the yacht to inspect the airy, light-filled saloon. With a myriad storage spaces tucked neatly in multiple locations, within the cosy cabins and underneath the captain’s seat, the model ensures those on board travel in style and comfort.

MORE THAN JUST A CAT

Designed by Alexander Simonis of Simonis Voogd Design, the 40PC is surprisingly roomy, notable for an almost 22ft beam and a spacious flybridge that Leopard describes as “the largest ever seen on a 40ft vessel”.

However, each of its social areas – aft cockpit, flybridge, saloon, foredeck – essentially offers an intimate setting for a group of six, in comparison to the 46PC and flagship 53PC models in the powercat series, which both cater to larger groups of eight or so.

Alexander Simonis has created a notably sharp exterior

Like its big sisters, the 40PC features sharp lines and a modern design, where excellent features include making the engine rooms easily accessible.

From a distance, the cat looks ready to deliver a sleek, efficient and high-performance experience, and it delivers on expectations. Equipped with twin 250hp engines as standard, it offers the option to upgrade to 320hp or 370hp engines, which enable the powercat to reach over 20 knots and cruise at about 17 knots.

The hulls encase large cabins

To get aboard, guests can use either of the symmetrical staircases on both sides of the aft platform, flanked by two shore powerlines. The cockpit has a fixed, forward-facing sofa and a table, with foldable director’s chairs offering extra seating.

Side decks offer access around the boat, with grabrails on both sides of the superstructure increasing guest safety along with the wraparound double railings. The foredeck can also be reached via the forward saloon door, a special feature of Leopard models since 2010.

Wide side decks and grabrails offer foredeck access

The bow area is centrally fitted with sunpads, including a single to starboard and a double to port, both with fitted headrests. The sunbathing area extends to the bow, where at least two people can lie horizontally.

In a clever piece of design, there’s ample space underneath the soft sunpads for storage. This is ideal for modern travellers who would like to entertain guests while keeping the appearance of the yacht minimal, sophisticated and tidy.

A forward saloon door leads to the foredeck

Arguably the best outdoor area is the flybridge, which is accessed from the cockpit by port-side stairs. The steps lead up to the forward end of the flybridge, where the upper helm is to starboard and has a double bench seat with a moveable backrest.

The helm features a control panel fitted with Raymarine and Yanmar displays, while there’s a low-set windscreen in front and on both sides of the flybridge.

The large flybridge has a C-shaped sofa facing a wet bar and bench seat

To starboard is the main social area, a C-shaped sofa with a table, which is available in teak or fibreglass and is fitted with multiple cup holders, allowing guests to safely stow cold drinks on a hot day.

To port is a wet bar and a double sofa forward, allowing for four sides of seating, ideal for conversation and cocktails. There’s also a large, clear area aft that can be used how the owner sees fit. Overall, the flybridge provides a comfortable environment for relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze, offering 360-degree visibility to make it the yacht’s prime location for panoramic views.

The aft cockpit features a long sofa and a table offering alfresco dining

Another key feature is the model’s emphasis on safety, and the red label with the word ‘Fire’ is present on many storage space surfaces to indicate where safety equipment is located. Moreover, some surfaces on the foredeck are hollow to allow the swift drainage of water if a wave or spray lands on the bow.

STYLISH INTERIOR

The saloon can be accessed from the aft cockpit by a sliding door or from the foredeck through a forward door. Starting aft, the saloon includes full-height refrigeration to starboard and an L-shaped galley to port, where equipment includes a stove, oven, sink, dishwasher, dish-drying rack and lots of storage.

L-shaped galley to port and refrigeration to starboard

When necessary, the dish-drying rack area can be converted to make a double sink. Nearby is a hidden counter that can be extended, with electrical sockets ideal for plugging in a coffee machine. The cream-coloured countertop is refined and sophisticated.

When preparing food or drinks, the galley provides a spacious area for entertaining guests. The designers thoughtfully ensured easy access to the power controls near the galley, so people can keep an eye on the indicators while in the area.

The lounge has an L-shaped sofa facing a single chair, aft of the helm

The forward lounging area includes an L-shaped sofa to port plus a facing chair to the starboard, aft of the lower helm, which has an adjustable backrest. Finished in elegant grey and cream tones, the interior features many large windows, providing a panoramic view of the ocean from the saloon and accentuating the airy feeling of the light-filled space.

The angle of the TV screen, mounted on an extension arm fixed to the bulkhead, can be adjusted for those seated at the L-shaped sofa or facing chair. The soft carpet and the comfortable fabric of the pillows create a relaxed atmosphere and a nice hub for conversation.

In the starboard hull, the master suite has a desk underneath the TV

To starboard, the helm seat is equipped with storage space underneath. Moreover, the Raymarine screens, joystick and monitoring system ensure the skipper is aware of everything that’s going on. The control panel allows the skipper to monitor data including tank levels, speed and much more.

Starboard stairs lead to the full-length master stateroom, which starts aft with a forward-facing double bed. The cabin also has a central desk below a large, adjustable TV, while forward is a full-height cupboard, drawers on both sides and more storage before an en-suite bathroom with a large shower in the forepeak.

Forward is lots of storage and the en-suite bathroom

The stairs on the port side descend to the two guest cabins, which each have an island bed and a full length mirror, and share a bathroom. In all the cabins, the soft, warm glow from the dimmable lights along the edges of the ceilings provides a cosy feeling, while there are blinds on the windows. Each cabin is also equipped with fire-safety equipment.

All Leopard models, including charter-specified versions branded for The Moorings and Sunsail, are built in Cape Town by Robertson & Caine, one of South Africa’s leading yacht builders.

The forward guest cabin shares a bathroom

Like its sister models, the 40PC is available for charter and private owners under a management programme through The Moorings, while also offering the most affordable entry into Leopard’s renowned powercat family.

www.leopardcatamarans.com

Aquila 42 Yacht expands flybridge offerings

Reviews / By yachtstyle2020

Aquila 42 Yacht expands flybridge offerings

May 11, 2023
12:07 am

Having expanded its offerings with the 54 Yacht and flagship 70 Luxury, Aquila has added a fourth flybridge model with the new 42 Yacht, which retains brand signatures like the large outdoor areas, cockpit bar and foredeck steps, while introducing new cabin options – and a swinging hammock!
Words: Michael Verdon; Photos: Aquila

The 42 Yacht joins Aquila’s 44, 54 and 70 flybridge models

It’s not clear at first why Aquila added a new 42 to its Yacht line, with no plans to discontinue its best-selling 44 Yacht. That is, until you step on board the new vessel.

“They attract two different buyers,” says Alain Raas, Brand Manager at Aquila Power Catamarans. “But this will be the start of a new generation of our Yacht line. And what’s special about this one is its cabin configuration – it’s unique for a 42ft boat.”

The 42 Yacht features Aquila’s iconic forward flybridge steps

Hull number one had an interesting stateroom configuration, with the master suite portside, the smaller VIP starboard, plus up front, in the centre of the 21ft-wide powercat, a ‘utility’ cabin for the captain. But first, let’s talk about the performance of hull one, which I ran in the Gulf of Mexico near Aquila’s Clearwater headquarters in Florida.

The Gulf of Mexico that day was calm, with a minor chop, and few other boats on the water. We passed the local ‘Pirate’ ship, a tourist attraction shaped like a barque but using diesel power. There was also a go-fast party boat, also carrying tourists, that attracted a pod of dolphins wakesurfing at the bow. In short, it was a gorgeous Florida day.

The 42 Yacht retains Aquila signatures including large aft platforms

Standard diesel engines for the 42 Yacht are twin 230hp Volvo Penta D4s, but our boat featured the upgraded 300hp versions, while there’s a further upgrade option of two 370hp Yanmar 8LV engines.

As we piloted from the flybridge, the boat came on plane in eight seconds. At 1,500rpm, speed was 9.3 knots; at 2,500, 12.4 knots; at 3,000, 18.1 knots. Ultimately, the 300hp Volvo Penta D4s were able to push our boat to a top end of over 21 knots at 3,450rpm.

HANGING OUT

The hull shape by French naval architecture firm VPLP includes a sharp entry and planing surfaces running the length of the sponsons. Exterior space is 610sqft, nearly the same as the interior, with particularly generous areas being the flybridge (192sqft), aft cockpit (137sqft) and sides/foredeck (218sqft).

The crane system for the tender can hold up a hammock

An innovative feature worth pointing out is the stern crane system for the tender, which, on our boat, was a Highfield Classic 340 GT.

A winch extends and retracts the crane from the flybridge, while an electronic winch lowers and raises the tender. And when the boat is out, it can serve to hold up a hammock! It’s a clever system adapted from the sailing world.

The foredeck has two flexible sunpads, each able to host a couple

The swim platform is also broad, allowing easy access across the transom to the side passages to the foredeck. The cockpit features an aft sofa and a large table, while forward is the brand’s signature bar area.

The side passages felt safe, with sturdy handrails for easy passage from stern to the bow. The foredeck has two double sun loungers and small seats tucked into the forward edges of the sponsons.

Accessible from the cockpit and foredeck, the flybridge has a central wet bar

The wide stairs up to the flybridge – a standard feature on all Aquila’s Yacht flybridge models – are a major differentiator in what Aquila bills as an oceangoing boat. There’s nothing like fast, easy access from the helm to the anchor rode to enhance the onboard experience.

Up top, the flybridge is huge, boasting not only the square footage but enormous headroom. “We had 15 people seated here the other day,” Raas says.

The flybridge has L-shaped seating aft and along the port side

The layout includes an L-shaped lounge that runs along the port side and rear, an alfresco dining table, and centre island galley that includes a grill and fridge. There are also seats on both sides of the two-seat helm in the centre.

INTERIOR OPTIONS

Of the interior’s total liveable space of 621sqft, the saloon and galley occupy 240sqft, while the three (or four) cabins and heads total 381sqft. My initial impression was that of a boat where open space is the priority, rather than rooms being jig-sawed into tight quarters.

Aquila features cockpit bar stools by the galley countertop

As per the 44 Yacht, the cockpit connects to the galley via an opening window and counter, with two bar-style seats. That kind of arrangement connects inside and out on fair-weather days, while when it’s raining, everything buttons down nicely.

The main saloon is on a slightly raised platform to starboard, while hull one featured the standard layout, without a lower helm. Instead, there’s a portside console with instruments for monitoring engine stats, performance and GPS coordinates. Aquila offers the inclusion of a lower helm as an upgrade and Raas said the option has been selected on about half of the current orders.

The raised saloon enjoys plenty of natural light from wraparound windows

I wasn’t crazy about the wall material, a faux-wood-grained Formica surrounded by hardwood frames. It made the boat look cheaper than a yacht-calibre vessel should. Raas countered that the material doesn’t age like real wood, adding to resale value several years down the road.

I liked the rest of the 42 Yacht’s interior – very much. The windows are large, so natural light is plentiful, and headroom is generous, even in the staterooms.

To port is the option of a cabinet (pictured) and console or a lower helm

The full-length master suite to port features a queen-sized berth, desk space, exceptional storage and a forward en-suite bathroom with a large glass shower (including rainforest shower head).

The VIP to starboard is shorter in length but not cramped and features an aft-facing bed and, again, a large en-suite bathroom, this time aft.

The master suite in the port hull has a desk by the window

In the three-cabin option, the forward utility cabin becomes a larger third stateroom by having a double berth athwartships, cutting out the starboard bulkhead and using the space for the large storage box forward in the starboard hull as an en-suite, accessed by steps.

In the four-cabin layout, the starboard cabin becomes the master, and the port hull features two cabins, fore and aft of a shared bathroom.

This unit features the forward utility cabin

Fit and finish was exceptional across both interior and exterior, from the glass work to the double stitching in the exterior seating to the big beefy stainless cleats that have become an Aquila signature.

Like all Aquila powercats, the boat is built at the Sino Eagle Group factory, but this time the facility used single-piece moulds for both hulls and the superstructure.

The first 42 Yacht in Asia is expected in 2024

“That was a challenge for production because everything is vacuum-bagged and these include very big moulds,” Raas says. “But doing it this way speeds up production and makes it a much stronger boat.”

The 42 Yacht is rated for 12 passengers offshore and 21 at the dock. With the hard top, the height above the waterline is 18ft, which could be an issue with low bridges, although the yacht can be ordered without the hard top.

Other units are set for Dubai and and Australia

All in all, a great cruising cat, with lots of space and thoughtful cabin options, and a welcome addition to Aquila’s growing flybridge family.

www.aquilaboats.com

www.simpsonmarine.com

Wallypower58 revives iconic line – and heads to Asia

Reviews / By yachtstyle2020

Wallypower58 revives iconic line – and heads to Asia

May 4, 2023
2:18 pm

Set to arrive in Singapore this summer, the wallypower58 renews the iconic wallypower range in Wally’s new era within Ferretti Group, offering ultra-clean hull lines, an enormous beach club, covered dining and ‘magic portholes’.
Words: John Higginson
Photos: Gilles Martin-Raget (Exterior) & Toni Meneguzzo (Interior)

The wallypower58 has an ‘ultra-deep-V’ hull

It’s not often you’ll see a 56ft-plus hull without windows. And Wally is probably the only yacht builder that can get away with it, as shown by its wallypower58, which had its US debut at February’s Miami International Boat Show following its world premiere at last year’s Venice Boat Show. Hong Seh Yachting has since secured the first sale in Asia, with the yacht set to arrive in Singapore by July.

As embodied by the revolutionary wallypower118 launched 20 years ago and series sisters like the 80, 70, 58 (first) and 52, Wally is renowned for its clean, pure hull lines – and the new wallypower58’s double-chined hull is about as pure as you can get.

It reaches 38 knots with triple 600hp IPS800 inboard engines

For starters, there’s no wraparound fender as seen on the wallytender48 and wallytender43 (and their ‘X’ outboard versions), Wally’s first motor yacht models since the brand joined Ferretti Group in 2019. And when the optional and removable guard rails aren’t fitted, the hull lines are as clean and sharp as a knife.

Starting from the vertical bow, you need to look closely to notice barely discernible lines framing the pop-out anchor locker. Run your eyes back along the smooth hull and the first vertical lines you’ll see are the air intakes, reminiscent of shark gills. Just aft are the fold-down bulwarks that transform this open sport cruiser to a beach club extraordinaire.

“For those who appreciate essential, simple and pure lines”

As Luca Bassani, founder and Chief Designer of Wally, says: “The wallypower58 is for those who appreciate essential, simple and pure lines, and who understand how they really want to use a yacht.”

Above the hull, the angular dome made of carbon-fibre and glass is a classic Wally superstructure, fronted by a curved, one-piece windscreen and flanked by curved, one-piece side windows. The pillarless windows offer clear views and reduce blind spots, important when you’re running at close to 40 knots, when the yacht still provides a secure, grounded ride due to the ‘ultra-deep-V’ hull.

The slightly tapered, vertical bow contains the pop-out anchor system

Like the wallytender48, the wallypower58 uses Volvo Penta’s IPS system and features a triple configuration to reduce the engine block size and draft, which is 1.7m.

With the standard 550hp D8-IPS700 engines, the yacht has a top speed of 36 knots and a cruising speed of 30, while the 600hp D8-IPS800s add two knots to each category, with both engine options giving a 320nm-plus range at cruising speed. The IPS system features Volvo’s proprietary joystick manoeuvring, dynamic positioning a

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