Reviews

Prestige X70: Game Changer

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Prestige X70: Game Changer

February 18, 2021
12:01 am

Who needs side decks? The radical, widebody X70 is a pioneering design from Prestige with a major focus on outdoor living. Yacht Style puts the French builder’s new flagship to the test.

The X70 is the first model in Prestige’s new X-Line range

Let’s not pull any punches here. The X70 is, by some distance, the most radical boat that Prestige has ever built. Yes, the hull, engines and lower deck are familiar, as they’re shared with the 680 from the F-Line range and now its successor, the 690. However, from there on up, the X70 takes our expectations of how a flybridge cruiser of this size should look and flips them on their head.

On a normal 70ft flybridge, the split between interior and exterior living space is about 70/30, but on the X70 it’s more like 50/50, with the enormous cockpit gobbling up nearly half of the main deck on Prestige’s ground-breaking collaboration with Garroni Design.

The X70 was designed with long-time Prestige collaborator Garroni Design

As if that wasn’t unusual enough, the yacht doesn’t feature any side decks, so the saloon can breathe across the full width of the boat’s 5.3m beam. This is a clever trick because the boat is no wider than the one on which its platform is based, but between the oversized cockpit and width of the main deck, it feels far, far larger.

FLEXIBLE AND FUNCTIONAL

Another key point about the X70’s design is its flexibility. The boat we tested had an island sunpad aft in the cockpit and a dining table forward, but options include moving the dining table inside the saloon and having the island forward to give you some free space aft on the deck.

The extended cockpit can feature a dining table

Alternatively, if you want to carry a lot of toys, you can leave the cockpit almost completely open. The area is flanked by low, comfortable bench seats which can be partitioned by the weighted backrests that sit on the island. These aren’t fixed down but have heavily weighted bases, so you can leave them anywhere on any piece of furniture safe in the knowledge that they won’t budge at sea.

Underneath each side bench is dedicated stowage space for Seabobs, while you will find storage for the liferaft under a lid in the island. This may be a brave new world for Prestige, but it knows a thing or two about building practical craft.

Hull one’s cockpit also includes an island sunpad and facing sofas

How many 70-footers have you seen with double access to the flybridge from the cockpit? That’s what you get on the X70, although if you’d rather a wet bar in the cockpit, you can have one instead of the starboard staircase. With such a great entertaining area, it would be remiss not to have some way of knocking up some grub and keeping the beers cool and within easy reach.

The fantastic day space doesn’t stop with the cockpit. Peer over the ‘infinity’ transom and you’re looking over the standard-fit hydraulic bathing platform with built-in steps and a flip-down sofa facing the water.

The ‘infinity’ transom links the cockpit to the drop-down sofa and swim platform

There is also a water-resistant Fusion speaker and a slot-in overhead shower, a far classier solution to the usual pull-out hose. The designers have put every inch of this deck to good use and created one of the finest outdoor living areas in the class.

The flybridge isn’t as spacious as the deck below, but it’s no less versatile. Like the main deck, you can either leave the aft end open for free-standing furniture or install the same type of island that’s available downstairs.

The flybridge offers various layouts and options

The wet bar, located just aft of the dinette on the boat we tested, can be moved to whichever position you please and the standard hard top has a sliding fabric roof inside it, so the area can quickly be covered if the weather turns. In fact, the entire area beneath the hard top can be fully enclosed by screens that zip in and out of position.

The roof’s support struts, which converge in front of the upper helm, are in a bit of an odd position and could catch out taller skippers when they move in and out of the helm seat. It’s almost as if the engineers realised late in the day that the roof needed some extra support and these struts were the solution.

FULL-BEAM SALOON

Those familiar with Prestige will have quite the surprise when they step inside the saloon because the look and feel is hugely different from anything the French yard has done before.

The saloon is full beam due to the absence of side decks

In search of a more upmarket look and feel, the builder has teamed up for the first time with Italian designer Valentina Militerno de Romedis to create a décor and vibe that is more akin to the Azimuts, Ferrettis and Sunseekers of this world than anything we have seen before from Prestige.

The shipyard is open about the new direction it is taking the X-Line in terms of design and pricing strategy. The starting price is higher, but a lot of equipment that would ordinarily be an option aboard a Prestige is now standard, in line with the high-end brands the X70 aims to compete with.

The open galley is forward of the saloon (above); steps lead up to the raised helm station (below), where a side door leads to the foredeck

For example, electric drop-down windows come as standard in the saloon, as do automatic blinds throughout. The spacious galley is fitted with high-end Miele domestic appliances and the saloon furniture serves an aesthetic purpose as well as places to sit.

COMFORTABLE CABINS

The cabins are equally well appointed, especially the master, which sits on its own half deck forward. It’s a spacious, comfortable cabin tucked away from guests and at the opposite end of the boat to the machinery space, limiting disruption from the whirring of the generator or optional Seakeeper stabiliser.

The forwardmost of three or four guest cabins, the master suite has a forward-facing bed, sofa and desk

Guests have separate access to their cabins from starboard stairs in the saloon and there is the option of two or three further cabins. The four-cabin version with a full-beam VIP midship and a pair of identical twins forward of it is best if you’re looking to charter, but if you really want to offer guests a treat, the configuration with three full-beam double suites is an indulgent alternative.

Although the X70 shares the same 900hp or 1,000hp IPS engine options with the 680 and now 690, it’s quite different to drive. The X70’s extra weight and height breeds more lethargy from behind the helm and a driving experience that’s unengaging but serene.

The X70 shares the same hull as the new Prestige 690

Acceleration is measured and there’s a sense of detachment due to the superlight fly-by-wire steering, so it’s best to set a course and let the boat’s perfectly capable hull iron out any obstacles that come its way.

The added height gives it a tendency to wallow, so one of the Seakeepers (probably the larger SK18) would be a sensible addition from the options list. Not only will it help with stability when cruising at displacement speed but it will make life on anchor – a place where the X70 is likely to spend a lot of time – much more comfortable.

It’s not a boat that relishes being hurried, but a top speed just shy of 30 knots is par for the course for this style of craft and a cruising speed between 20-25 knots should reward you with a range of around 250nm. Drop it to single figures and you should be able to go around 750nm between fills, with 20 per cent left in reserve.

The big question is whether Prestige’s radical change of direction has paid off and the short answer is a resounding yes. The boat’s exterior styling will not appeal to everybody, but Prestige can play to more traditional tastes with a perfectly good ‘standard’ flybridge in the new 690, while doing something truly different with the X70 and to great effect.
www.prestige-yachts.com
www.asiayachting.net

Prestige 630 arrives in Hong Kong
Asia Yachting is organising viewings of a new Prestige 630 motor yacht in Aberdeen.

Custom Line Navetta 30: Nautical Style

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Custom Line Navetta 30: Nautical Style

February 11, 2021
11:44 am

The first Custom Line Navetta 30 shows there are beautiful ways to update nautical tradition without turning your back on it. By Clare Mahon.

The Custom Line Navetta 30 has an overall length of 28.4m

The Navetta 30 is Custom Line’s first project with an exterior by Filippo Salvetti and interiors by the world-famous Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel (ACPV) architectural studio, both firms giving a special imprint to the brand’s new entry model while respecting and updating the line’s heritage.

Successor of the Navetta 28, the 30 has an overall length of just 28.4m and a hull length just under 24m. Yet although the 93-footer is 15ft shorter than the Navetta 33, this wide-body yacht is just 8in narrower, with a hefty beam of 7.3m (24ft).

The Navetta 30 is the first Custom Line with a Filippo Salvetti exterior

Below the waterline, the Ferretti Group’s Engineering department used CFD techniques to develop a tapered hull shape with 30 per cent more volume than the Navetta 28 and better fuel economy.

With the naval architecture arranged, Salvetti began designing the visible parts of the exterior, masking the vertical connection between the decks with strong horizontal lines and continuous expanses of dark tinted glass. It’s an honest, no-nonsense approach that balances interior and exterior, private and convivial spaces in a functional and appealing package.

The Dual Mode Transom creates a large beach club

Boarding the yacht from a tender, the first feature that welcomes you is an aft platform with running boards that make access easy from the stern or either side.

The garage can accommodate a Williams Sportjet 435 tender and a jetski, and the door is fitted with the Ferretti Group’s patented Dual Mode Transom (DMT) that opens to launch the tender and become a beach platform. An innovative new feature is a flap that keeps the garage dry when closed and doubles as a launching and recovery ramp when open.

Stairs lead to the aft cockpit on the main deck

Symmetrical staircases lead up to the aft cockpit, which has a table, chairs and an extra deep couch that can double as a sunbed. Glass doors to the main saloon slide open wide to reveal a space where the designers’ quest for continuity and connection between all areas of the yacht is as immediately apparent as their good taste and painstaking attention to detail.

The saloon is furnished with freestanding pieces that Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel has designed for top Italian furnishing brands such as B&B Italia and Flexform, as well as structural pieces built to ACPV’s designs by Zago, a long-time Ferretti Group collaborator.

Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel designed the interior and furnishings

EMBRACING NAUTICAL TRADITION

Because of careful choices of materials, shapes and colours, ‘stylish’ aboard the Navetta 30 never overwhelms ‘nautical’. While you’re always aware you’re in a chic and modern interior, you don’t forget you’re at sea because you’re always surrounded by ocean views and because the interiors maintain a discreetly nautical vibe.

Walls are finished in brushed and textured fibreglass, a boatbuilding material resistant to the elements and easy to maintain. Window and door frames have rounded corners as per nautical tradition and are in natural teak, the timber that best expresses an idea of seafaring life.

The main saloon emphasises natural colours and materials

The midships stairwell to the upper deck is lined in a textured material that recalls carbon-fibre, another boatbuilding staple. Even the floor seems to be a continuation of the caulked teak used on the outer decks until you look more closely and see that it’s teak painstakingly inlaid with a thin strip of wenge – an imitation game that masks luxury as functionality.

Riccardo Menin, an architect and interior designer for Custom Line, says: “Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel chose materials such as natural leather and real hemp cord that would recall the nautical tradition and would age gracefully with time. They wanted the yacht’s interiors to show the signs of the life they have ‘lived,’ not to stay as an untouchable showcase.”

The saloon leads to the galley, upper deck and master suite

At the forward end of the saloon, the portside door leads to the Ernestomeda-designed galley, which includes the crew mess. Protecting the privacy of owners and guests, the galley connects to the crew quarters forward on the lower deck, made up of a captain’s cabin and two with twin bunks, all with ensuite bathrooms.

The saloon’s starboard door leads to a hallway accessing the lower-deck stairs, the day head and the owner’s cabin forward. Like the main saloon, the full-beam owner’s suite gets plenty of natural light and views through large, continuous windows.

The owner’s suite has an office to starboard and huge windows on both sides

The shapes and materials are like the ones used throughout the yacht, but there is added luxury in details such as the bathroom mosaic made of tiny round tiles of recycled glass, an ecologically luxurious material that was created exclusively for this project.

The four guest cabins on the lower deck are all ensuite and comprise two VIPs with inward-facing double beds and two aft-facing twins, one that can convert to a double and be fitted with an additional Pullman bed. All guest cabins have portholes that can be opened to let in fresh air.

UPPER DECKS

The upper deck, accessed from the main saloon or aft cockpit, has a large outdoor area with an oversized teak couch, again purpose-designed for the Navetta 30 by ACPV. A dining table for 10 can fit comfortably in this space, but the showstopper is the spiral staircase in carbon-fibre and teak whose thin chrome balusters are lashed with rope.

The upper-deck saloon and aft deck, which has a 10-seat dining table

The sky lounge and al fresco space are united stylistically not only by the yacht’s characteristic teak flooring but also by teak panels mounted in the ceilings of both areas. Interspersed between the panels are small spotlights, which are used throughout the yacht.

These discreet pinpoints of light were developed for the Navetta 30 by ACPV with Metis Lighting and have a warm, dimming technology that allows owners to adjust them both in brightness and in colour temperature to create a specific mood and atmosphere, whatever the time of day.

The upper deck’s 32sqm ‘sunset lounge’ features furniture by ACPV

The upper deck’s fore area is easy to reach from the port side passage and if the outdoor areas already mentioned aren’t enough, there’s also the sun deck. Set low so that it doesn’t give the Navetta 30 a top-heavy look, the large deck has a second custom couch like the one on the upper deck, a grill, sink and fridge by the mast, and a forward bar for enjoying a sundowner or simply taking in the view from on high.

The bridge is on the upper deck and features six large Simrad touchscreens. Like all Navetta displacement models, the 30 is designed for covering long distances with low fuel consumption and has an impressive range of about 2,000nm at 10 knots. To assure comfort and reduce sound and vibration, the engine room has a ‘floating floor’, while ceilings have extra soundproofing.

The sun deck features a huge sofa aft and a bar area forward

With the Navetta 30, Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel has shown that nautical doesn’t have to be predictable and that there’s a happy medium between nautical and style. Their dash of new perspective coupled with Custom Line’s careful attention to fuel efficiency and comfort make the Navetta 30 an important new player on the water today.
www.customline-yacht.com
www.ferrettigroup.com

Ferretti Yachts 670 in Taiwan
In Kaohsiung, Ferretti Group and Amal Yachting staged the first of two handover events for the first Ferretti Yachts 670 sold in Taiwan..

MCY 70 Skylounge: New level of luxury

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

MCY 70 Skylounge: New level of luxury

February 3, 2021
1:07 pm

Asia’s first MCY 70 Skylounge has turned heads since its arrival in Hong Kong, where the model customised for the region shows why an enclosed flybridge provides year-round appeal. Words: Andrew Dembina. Photos: Asia Yachting.

The MCY 70 Skylounge on the run along Hong Kong Island’s south side

Asia Yachting kicked off 2021 in lively fashion as the regional dealer hosted the Asian ‘reveal’ of the MCY 70 Skylounge online from Hong Kong and continued private viewings of the eye-catching new model.

Like all Monte Carlo Yachts models, the Skylounge Collection is designed by Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard of Venice-based Nuvolari Lenard. The duo’s principal remit was to create an elegant enclosed flybridge, a rare feature on Italian-built motor yachts of this size, and also use it to house the yacht’s sole helm station.

Last year, Skylounge versions were released for the MCY 70 and MCY 76, two of three models (along with the 66) introduced in 2019 as Monte Carlo Yachts unveiled its ‘second generation’ of yachts for its second decade.

Regional dealer Asia Yachting brought the MCY 70 Skylounge to Hong Kong

Initially targeted at the US market, the MCY 70 Skylounge debuted at the Miami Yacht Show last February before the first model in the region arrived in October in Hong Kong, where it’s expected to have a similar appeal in a climate featuring cool temperatures in winter and extreme humidity in the summer. And as usual, Asia Yachting has specified options and customisations to appeal to local tastes.

TOP FORM

The range name highlights the yacht’s most special feature – its fully enclosable and beautifully outfitted skylounge that occupies most of the flybridge.

The spacious skylounge includes huge side windows, a retractable skylight, the sole helm station, and stairs to the saloon on the main deck

MCY’s Skylounge Collection was conceived to provide a new concept for international markets, a yacht that can be enjoyed all year round, with an internal stairwell connecting main and upper-deck interiors that can be sealed and easily heated or cooled.

For the new hull tailored for Asia, the ‘Extra Tropical’ air-conditioning option was one of the boxes ticked by Olivier Besson, CEO and founder of Asia Yachting, which represents the boutique, high-end Italian builder in Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines.

The skylounge houses the yacht’s sole helm station

“This is one of the most important features that we know local owners appreciate,” he says. “Owners are keen to escape the high humidity we have in Hong Kong and in other parts of Asia. When you sit upstairs you feel as if you are inside, but because of the panoramic windows and the glass roof (a retractable skylight), you feel in touch with nature and the environment outside.

“When the yacht arrived, I was particularly impressed by the cosy feel of the intimate terrace at the back of the flybridge – great for two people or a couple to relax and have a private moment. It would be a good spot to enjoy a cigar.”

The aft deck of the flybridge is a cosy nook, like a balcony for the skylounge

The enclosed upper deck really does benefit from its surround glazing, whether seated on the long, roomy sofa or the lounging platforms either side of the leather central helm seat. The pilot has superb, uninterrupted visibility around the boat, and the control switches and screens are generously spaced – and why not? After all, this is the sole helm aboard, so freeing up more usable space below.

MAIN COURSE

The Skylounge line’s standard design allows indoor access between the flybridge and the main deck, although it can be customised like most other aspects of all MCY models. If desired, stairwell access can alternatively be positioned outside, from the cockpit.

Like so much of the interior and exterior design by Nuvolari Lenard, the spiral, reinforced glass inner stairwell is a talking-point feature that oozes both elegance and functionality – its transparency allows the perception of yet more space. But volume is not something the main saloon is short of, as there is no helm across this split-level area.

View of the main deck from the skylounge stairs

As such, Asia Yachting opted for a galley-up configuration to port of the upper level forward, facing the dining suite to starboard. This showpiece galley wants for nothing, with two sets of fridge-freezer

drawers, a cooking station, storage and dishwashing units that rival many high-end domestic kitchens.

“We took the galley-up option to make it a part of the décor and lifestyle for those aboard,” Besson says. “It’s a place where owners can chat to those on board easily, and people can stand around and share food and drinks in a relaxed, comfortable way.”

Next to the dining table is a thoughtfully-placed weather-tight door to the starboard side deck that leads to the bow or cockpit – handy for underway manoeuvres, carrying food or drink from the galley, or for simple access.

The large galley and dining area forward benefit from the absence of a lower helm station

A step down to the aft half of the saloon is a sitting area with a long, deep L-shaped sofa and armchairs covered with Hermès and Armani Casa fabrics, as is the case on seating throughout the boat. An oversized TV in the ceiling panelling can be lowered or concealed at the press of a remote-control button.

To port, just inside the cockpit doors, is a day head carefully concealed behind dark chocolate brown-coloured wooden louvred slats. This space can be alternatively configured as a storage room or for access below deck to crew quarters and storage for the water toys.

BACK AND FORTH

While the new Skylounge Collection focus may be on the interconnected indoor areas, the breezy, completely sheltered cockpit is another comfortable gathering or solo spot at a marine-teak dining table, with its elevated view out to sea over the swim platform at the stern.

The aft cockpit on the main deck

Shower facilities are concealed in cabinetry in one of the twin staircases that lead downward, while the rear platform provides access to the airy engine room, which also leads to the twin crew cabin that provides a buffer between the engines and master suite.

Up front, the large 124sqft (11.5sqm) foredeck is a signature MCY feature, an attractive, comfortable area distinguished by its central passageway. Lowered bulwarks allow great sea views from the sun pads, which are fitted with pop-up recliner back and head supports.

The yacht features a flexible foredeck

The semi-circular teak dining tables on each side are electrically adjustable and can be linked by an extension panel to create a substantial dining surface for up to 10 people. Asia Yachting opted for a bimini on the bow, which can be easily put up to offer shade to those on deck.

GET DOWN

A dedicated stairway at the aft of the saloon leads to the master suite via a corridor that’s also home to two washer-dryer machines on the lower deck. Light floods into the main bedroom area through the shipyard’s iconic and newly-enlarged overlapping circular windows, and the cabin makes full use of the midships beam of 17ft 10in (5.45m).

The master suite has private access and the shipyard’s iconic overlapping circular windows

The stateroom is comfortably and functionally self-contained, with walk-in wardrobe, large marble-clad modern bathroom, storage cabinets, dressing table-cum-desk and a sofa.

The guest cabins have separate access via another walkway from the forward end of the saloon. Two compact twin cabins feature berths that can be joined to make a double bed. The port twin has ensuite access to a bathroom, while the starboard version uses the same but with corridor access.

The VIP cabin is in the bow, forward of two convertible twin guest cabins

A VIP ensuite cabin at the bow has decent natural light from panel windows and plenty of hanging and storage space. Like everywhere else on board – including the engine room – headroom is notably generous.

Since Asia Yachting started staging private viewings of the new model, Besson says visitors “appreciated the new interior design that we made luxurious and bright, plus they liked the additional living space upstairs, which matches their needs for shelter and cool temperatures”.

Asia’s first MCY 70 Skylounge relaxes on the south of Hong Kong Island

Following the global launch of the MCY 70 Skylounge last February, the MCY 76 Skylounge made its world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October, with the yard indicating that an even bigger version is to follow.
www.montecarloyachts.it
www.asiayachting.net
Note: The original article appeared in Yacht Style Issue 57

MCY 70 Skylounge: Asian Premiere! O
Monte Carlo Yachts dealer Asia Yachting hosts the Asian Premiere of the MCY 70 Skylounge on Facebook Live and invites private viewings in Hong Kong.

Amadea shows masters at work

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Amadea shows masters at work

December 31, 2020
3:20 pm

Based in the UAE, the 106m Amadea is a masterpiece by designers Espen Øino and Francois Zuretti, builder Lürssen and owner’s representative Imperial, which describes her as “the most detailed superyacht ever built”.

Photos: © Imperial Yachts (Photographer: Guillaume Plisson)

Built by Windy under Imperial’s supervision, Amadea’s 11m custom Limo tender and 11m custom Open tender match the lines of the mothership and even feature miniature versions of the albatross sculpture

One of the nice things about visiting Amadea by tender is the views. Not from Amadea but from around it. Admittedly, a tender doesn’t offer the bird’s-eye perspective that the owner enjoys when he arrives or leaves by helicopter and looks down on Amadea’s iconic overlapping overhangs, shaped like hexagons and described by exterior designer Espen Øino as ‘clamshells’.

However, arrival by the 11m Windy Limousine tender – also designed by Øino – does allow you to see the 106m Lürssen build in all her glory before circling around and gradually closing in on the details.

The huge art deco-style albatross welded to the bow was created by sculptor and designer Willem Lenssinck

On both sides of this colossus, the standout features are the three angled, protruding balconies, each sheltered by the clamshell above. Rounding the bow allows you many angles of the art-deco albatross sculpture, whose beak points the way when Amadea glides over the seas.

The stern, 348ft away, is another beautiful sight, with the broad swim platform dominated by ‘AMADEA’ in backlit lettering, topped by the 10m see-through pool on the main deck. However, the tender arrives at a foldout platform on the starboard side, where guests are escorted to the meeting room before taking a lift upstairs to the main deck.

The vast swim platform is a good base for watersports and lounging by the sea

PYC-compliant, this 4,400GT superyacht can welcome up to 22 guests while cruising and 16 overnight in its eight suites. Based in the UAE since early 2020, Amadea was originally scheduled to appear at the Dubai International Boat Show, which has been twice postponed and is now set to be held from March 9-13, 2021.

Delivered to her owner in 2017, the yacht only made her public debut two years later at the Monaco Yacht Show though owner’s representative Imperial, also the Central Agency for her sale. The Monaco-based brokerage has been behind several of the leading superyachts launched in recent years including the 136m Flying Fox, 107m Lana and 82m RoMEA, all for charter.

In contrast, Amadea was designed for private use by an exacting owner and remains a tribute to immense attention to detail in all aspects of design and construction. Her pristine condition is also a testament to the dedication and professionalism of her crew – up to 36 on board at any one time – who have ensured she’s as good as new.

Espen Øino designed Amadea’s exterior

Julia Stewart, Director of Imperial, says: “Amadea is the most detailed superyacht ever built, with extreme care given to every single area or item on board. She is a masterpiece and it’s a source of pride for Imperial to be involved with a superyacht of this calibre.

“All clients who have visited her have been very surprised to find out she was delivered in 2017. She looks in better condition than some new deliveries in 2020. This is not by chance. We invest a lot of time and effort in her presentation and condition to exceed the expectations of demanding clients.”

HEAVYWEIGHT COLLABORATION

Amadea is another triumph by Monaco-based Øino and Germany’s Lürssen, arguably the world’s leading designer and builder of large superyachts respectively, who both also teamed up with Imperial on Flying Fox.

“Working with Espen is a real pride and joy on every superyacht project,” Stewart says. “Our collaboration is truly outstanding and always gives birth to something extraordinary.

Øino describes Amadea’s iconic overlapping overhangs as ‘clamshells’

“So, while Espen focuses his creativity on designing functional and breathtaking masterpieces, Imperial plays its part with our detailed construction management procedures built on thousands of hours spent at the yard, with the suppliers, with our clients, to make the dream a reality.”

Imperial also has a like-minded partner in Lürssen, which built Amadea in northern Germany, where her layout and details were kept very much under wraps. The steel hull has a huge 18m beam, significantly more than many other yachts of this length, while the decks are not made of steel but of aluminium.

Amadea also has an astonishing range of 8,000nm at 13 knots, powered by two MTU 20V 4,300kW engines and armed with 392,000 litres of fuel – that’s 392 cubic metres or more liquid than in a 25m by 10m swimming pool with a depth of 1.5m! There are also Quantum Zero Speed stabilisers for exceptional comfort at anchor or underway.

“Utmost quality, deadline respect and precise follow-up are the key guidelines of our construction management procedures. We learn from every yard we collaborate with and obviously Lürssen’s impressive record of luxury superyachts, especially those above 90m or 100m, speaks for itself,” Stewart says.

The Lürssen build has a range of 8,000nm at 13 knots

“As the most detailed yacht ever built, Amadea boasts unique finishing that immediately catches the eyes of visitors. All materials and furniture used on board were carefully made with outstanding attention. We can proudly say Amadea is the exact representation of one of our mottos: attention to all details.”

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

Stewart says Imperial’s relationship with Lürssen has “explored and reached new boundaries in yacht construction”, and Amadea’s 33ft-long pool is an example of fine design, craftsmanship and

engineering coming together.

It starts with steps down to four submerged bar stools, where guests can socialise with those lounging on the L-shaped sofas forward or those lazing in the sunbathing areas on either side. Or, of course, they can just enjoy the infinity view aft and the pool itself where further sunken steps lead to the deeper swimming area, which has a large, decorative mosaic inlay on the bottom.

The aft bridge deck and owner’s deck below both have bioethanol fire pits outside, while the 10m long swimming pool is the centrepiece of the main deck aft

The main-deck saloon is your likely welcome to the astonishingly ornate interior by Francois Zuretti. Based in Nice, just along the French coast from Imperial and Øino in Monaco, Zuretti started his career creating Middle Eastern palaces and royal residences. Since 1987, he has been designing superyacht interiors including Ambrosia for Ambros Young, one of Asia’s leading superyacht owners.

Amadea’s 2,700sqft saloon starts with entrances either side of a beautifully illuminated bar that faces forward to large lounges on each side and a two-deck atrium, formed by an oval cut-out in the ceiling that opens to the owner’s deck.

Forward are a games table and more sofas beside a hand-painted piano by Pleyel, the Paris-based piano builder founded in 1807 that has built for the likes of Chopin. The customised baby grand features 24-karat gold hardware from pedals to hinges and took 18 months to build.

Forward of the swimming pool, the main deck has a covered area with a games table, outdoor bar and other seating areas, and leads to the main saloon and atrium

The formal dining table seats up to 14 guests and stretches the width of the saloon, with doors opening to balconies on either side, while midships is the central staircase featuring red carpeting and a rectangular glass lift that connects the guest decks.

The forward part of the main deck is dedicated to five of the guest suites – two to starboard, two to port, and the full-width VIP cabin, which features two king-size beds. All bedrooms have dressing tables, desks, sofas and ensuite bathrooms, while the VIP cabin has a full lounge to starboard.

OWNER’S PARADISE

Above the main deck is the 92m-long owner’s deck, where the owner and guests can arrive by helicopter on the enormous forward helipad, which has a 12m D-value and can accommodate up to 3.5 tonnes take-off weight.

Situated on the 92m-long owner’s deck, the vast helideck has a 12m D-value and allows the owners to land and walk straight to their private chambers

From the elevator or stairs, a forward hallway leads to the ‘private chambers’ including a beauty centre to port and the owner’s office to starboard. The vast bedroom features a huge bathroom to port with tub, shower and separate spa, while to starboard is the enormous dressing room.

The full-beam stateroom offers magnificent views and features the forward-facing bed to port and lounge to starboard, both facing a large TV in the middle of the front window.

The stateroom has access to beautiful balconies on both sides, which offer comfortable, cosy nooks for peace and quiet with breeze and open views. Forward of the stateroom is the owner’s private retreat, a covered outdoor zone with lounging areas either side of a whirlpool.

Although the deck is designed for the owner to live autonomously and in total privacy if needed, the aft social areas are ideal for hosting guests and intimate dinner parties.

The aft end of the owner’s deck features a large, round dining table, a portside bar offering great sea views and lots of aft-facing seating

Aft of the staircase is a gym to starboard, while to port is an elegant dining room with round table, a central ‘degustation area’ featuring rare whiskies and cognacs, and a wine cabinet. (The main wine cellar is on the tank deck.)

The owner’s lounge features large sofas and a fireplace, while there’s also a games table, self-playing piano, library and fun views down to the main deck through the atrium. Outside, the huge covered aft deck has a round dining table for 10-12 guests, a bar with great sea views and aft-facing sofas around a bioethanol fire pit.

“On every deck, Amadea offers everything an experienced owner could imagine – ample spaces, tasteful outfitting and perfect use of space,” Stewart says. “She was designed and built so every single space, inside and outside, has a function. There are no lost areas.”

CINEMA, SUN DECK, WINTER GARDEN

External stairs lead up to the bridge deck, where the aft area offers another great outdoor area with a bioethanol fire pit and lots of seating and lounging space. The cinema lounge is arguably the bridge deck’s main attraction, featuring D-Box technology that moves and vibrates the sofas in time with the action on the screen. This multi-purpose room can also double as a conference room.

The deck also houses two guest cabins – a VIP suite to port and a double to starboard – while the forward part of the deck is dedicated to the officer’s and captain’s cabins, ship’s office and the wheelhouse.

The bridge deck provides a cosy place to unwind in the evenings

The sun deck boasts the best views on the yacht and lives up to its name with a large jacuzzi flanked by sunbathing areas, although the area can be covered by a bimini when needed. Forward are outdoor sofas, chairs and coffee tables, plus sun loungers to port. With a first-class AV/IT system, the sun deck is also suitable for events and parties as the jacuzzi can be covered by teak flooring and transformed into a stage.

However, the sun deck is also home to the enclosed winter garden, an indoor dining room draped and decorated with plants and featuring a custom-made dining table that can be extended for large numbers of guests.

“The main-deck dining table and the winter-garden dining table on the sun deck are outstanding creations and among fantastic masterpieces custom-designed for Amadea,” Stewart says. “Many key items have been designed for the yacht.”

WATER SPORTS AND WELLNESS

Those customised items include two Windy tenders – the Limousine version for guests and the 11m open version designed for the owner’s use, both featuring a miniature albatross figurehead. There’s also a Pascoe Beachlander and two Castoldi Jet Tender Solas rescue boats.

If the tender collection is impressive, the water toys are outstanding. Four Sea-Doo jetskis, four Seabobs, a jetpack and flyboard are among an incredible range of toys that also includes a 20m inflatable sea pool, an inflatable trampoline and an inflatable slide that connects to the bridge deck!

The lower-deck sea terrace is a nice place to relax after time in the spa

There are four sets of dive equipment, waterskis, wakeboards, paddleboards, other boards, kayaks, towable inflatables, PFDs, wetsuits, protective head gear, fishing gear … you get the idea!

To recover after a day of water sports and outdoor activity, Amadea offers a superb wellness area on the lower deck. A door on the port side of the main saloon entrance accesses stairs leading down to a

Finnish sauna, hammam, chromotherapy room and massage room.

And if you fancy even more R&R after all the relaxation, there’s a Moroccan-inspired lounge with comfortable daybeds, sofas and cosy cushions that opens out to a large sea terrace, offering waterside views, a cool breeze and the sounds of waves lapping.

“The whole spa area is fantastic and offers much more than anybody would expect prior to coming on board,” Stewart comments. “The spa and lounge with sea terrace are among so many areas to enjoy on Amadea, from the 10m pool to the huge interiors with two wide saloons or the cinema with D-Box seating. Amadea offers everything a superyacht owner could expect.”

While the ownership of such enormous vessels is a rarefied world, superyachts’ relevance to such owners has only heightened in the Covid-19 era due to the increased importance of seclusion, safety and family time, and the appeal of the great outdoors.

Night view of Amadea, which has been in the UAE since early 2020

“Yachts have long been considered as the safest place to be and during this period, superyachts have obviously gained in appeal,” Stewart says.

“When all luxury resorts and hotels closed their doors, when travelling became hugely difficult, the yachting industry immediately stood out as ultra-high-net-worth individuals were looking to escape the madness around the virus situation. This is still the case today.”

Amadea is a stunning tribute to the combined strengths of Øino, Zuretti, Lürssen and Imperial, the latter ensuring the sky-high standards involved in producing an eight-cabin yacht of this calibre are continued in its daily operations, overseen by a proven first-class crew.

“Imperial’s operational teams and the crew have maintained the vessel in pristine condition, like she was delivered yesterday. This is hard work day-to-day, but worth it,” Stewart says. “In fact, the real benefit for a future owner is they can buy a vessel in better condition than a new build just delivered.”
www.imperial-yachts.com

YLana Joins Charter Giants at Imperial
The 107m Lana is available for charter through Imperial, which now manages two of the world’s largest charter yachts..

Absolute Navetta 64: Marrying rational and romantic

Leave a Comment / Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Absolute Navetta 64: Marrying rational and romantic

December 24, 2020
3:43 pm

Scheduled to debut in Asia in 2021, Absolute’s new Navetta 64 has the clean, vertical exterior lines that characterise this distinctive range. However, on a design where logic and intelligence rule, a poetic touch shows that even the most rational of us appreciate the romance of life at sea.

By Clare Mahon

Dealer Absolute Marine has ordered a Navetta 64 scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong in late 2021

Absolute is the shipyard that uses unfailing logic to go the extra mile and make every aspect of life aboard as flexible as possible, but on the Navetta 64 they went the extra mile and a half.

A wide, submersible aft platform makes boarding the boat easy and welcomes you immediately to arguably the highlight of the yacht. Right in front of you, what’s typically a garage has been set up as a beach club, which in turn can become a fourth cabin.

The first full season of orders for the Navetta 64 have selected the optional beach club, where the sofa can be converted into a bed to form a fourth guest cabin with ensuite bathroom

The setup is another one of Absolute’s feats of logical thinking. Double sliding doors in smoked glass are fitted with an inflatable gasket so that they’re watertight when the yacht is in motion. Inside, a sofa has a convertible backrest that folds down to become a double bed.

Guests will find everything they need to use the space as both a beach club and a cabin – a sound system, fridge, an air-cooling system, storage spaces, TV and ensuite bathroom. The swim platform can also be shaded by a removable awning.

The interior beach club cabin is protected by watertight double sliding doors in smoked glass

This beach-club cabin is a real superyacht touch that allows owners and guests to enjoy a day on the water then sleep about as close as you can get to the elements while still staying dry.

The symmetrical steps that lead up to the aft cockpit are elegant and also handy while docking. The cockpit area, with a large table, banquette seating and lateral openings under the gunwale, connects seamlessly to the galley in the saloon and offers easy views onto the water.

The cockpit benefits from lateral openings under the gunwale and offers retractable sunshades

Cesare Mastroianni, Chief Commercial Officer and Vice President of Sales, says: “We are very careful about the quality of life aboard, of the functionality of the spaces we offer and how the user can experience them.”

The lattice-patterned inlay on the aft cockpit table already hints that the quality of finishing aboard the Navetta 64 is high. While Mastroianni is proud of the 64’s versatility and functionality, he also says that “a touch of Italian style doesn’t hurt”.

A TOUCH OF ITALIAN STYLE

The cockpit and saloon are on the same level and become a single space when the sliding glass doors are opened wide and a window is dropped down into the sideboard, an ideal set-up for preparing and serving a meal. The galley is fully equipped, while there’s even a wine cellar by the lower-deck stairs.

The main-deck interior features a dining table opposite the galley and a comfortable lounge, with floors in bleached oak and panelling in elm and Canaletto walnut

In fact, the saloon is furnished with pieces by Minotti and has spectacular, all-around views through large windows.

Floors in bleached oak and panelling in elm and Canaletto walnut set a colour palette where contrasts are discreet and light, and views through the floor to ceiling windows play the starring role. True to Absolute’s reputation for meticulous planning, the AC vents have been carefully placed to assure optimum air circulation without drafts.

The saloon is furnished with pieces by Minotti, while the raised pilothouse has a curved windshield, a portside settee and twin helm seats

The raised pilothouse is just a couple of steps up from the saloon and guests can watch the action from a portside settee or the second helm seat. Excellent visibility is assured by the raised position and the curved and continuous glass in the windshield.

The foredeck has a C-shaped couch around a table that can flip out and adjust in height. The adjustable head and back rests on the sunpads are another signature Absolute touch and can convert for sitting or lounging just by changing their placement.

The foredeck has a C-shaped couch, table and adjustable sunpads, and can be shaded by an awning

The whole foredeck area can be shaded by an awning mounted on removable carbon-fibre poles, a nice touch for those who want to enjoy the air and the view while avoiding the sun.

The large flybridge has lounging, dining and helming areas and is a space that a group can enjoy for an entire day. The aft lounging area can be furnished with Absolute’s new TF Terrace Atmosphere modular furniture where elements can be used variously as chairs, couches, chaise longue or tables, an ingenious solution that allows owners to set the scene depending on the occasion.

The flybridge, also available in an enclosed version, benefits from modular furniture

The wet bar under the hardtop comes complete with a fridge, sink and barbecue, and there is a dining table just across from it. The helm station is surrounded by seating so everyone can enjoy the ride. Furthermore, the whole flybridge can be closed off with a removable structure for protection from the elements.

OWNER FORWARD

Stairs off the pilothouse lead to three lower-deck cabins and a handy storage area. The full-beam owner’s cabin is fore with a centrally placed double bed, a desk and a settee. This cabin benefits from the largest windows that Absolute has used to date and gets great views thanks also to its slightly raised position.

Absolute’s biggest windows to date feature in the impressive master suite, which is situated forward and features a desk, sofa and a large, full-width bathroom in the bow

The VIP cabin is fitted with the same materials as the owner’s cabin and has a centrally placed double bed and a walk-in closet with a safe.

Its bathroom has a large sink that can be screened off by sliding doors or left visible from the cabin and separate cubicles for the shower and toilet. The twin cabin has direct access to a bathroom that can double as a day head.

The VIP suite to port benefits from a large midships window and has a walk-in closet forward and an elegant bathroom aft

While it might seem that every space on board has already been used to its maximum potential, this remarkable yacht still has a couple of tricks up its sleeve.

A secret compartment for storing the boat hook and an optional third docking station with a GPS display is hidden in the portside aft window. On the starboard side there is access to a crew cabin equipped with two seats and a table that convert to become a berth.

The raised pilothouse is a couple of steps up from the saloon and benefits from a side door

Of course, a yacht is not all about living spaces. Absolute were early adopters of Volvo Penta IPS pod drives and the Navetta 64 benefits from their smooth and vibration-free ride.

“We collaborate with Volvo Penta on their pod drives,” says Mastroianni with pride. “They have used our hulls to test new products and we have provided a constant flow of feedback. The IPS system combines ease of use with reduced noise, vibration and fuel consumption. We have been very happy with it.”

The Navetta 64 can be fitted with either twin Volvo Penta IPS1200 or IPS1350 engines

True to Absolute style, the engine room is orderly and intuitive, with a rational set-up that allows for easy access and maintenance.

The new model is set to make its Asia debut next year, after Hong Kong-based dealer Absolute Marine ordered a hull that’s scheduled to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Even the engine room is well designed, providing comfortable headroom for maintenance

After all, the Absolute Navetta 64 – and its fourth cabin with doors to the water – offer proof that even the most rational engineers appreciate the romantic beauty of a starry night at sea. With all the benefits of Absolute’s intelligent build philosophy and safe, solid construction methods, the Navetta 64 is a truly versatile yacht that combines poetry with practicality.

www.absoluteyachts.com

Absolute 60 Fly offers beach club
Following the success of the interior beach club on Absolute’s new Navetta 64, the Italian builder is offering the option on its new 60 Fly, scheduled to launch in mid-2021.

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54: Speeding Beauty

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54: Speeding Beauty

December 17, 2020
2:15 pm

Designed by Lorenzo Argento and Roberto Biscontini, the Italians behind Beneteau’s First Yacht 53, the new Oceanis Yacht 54 combines racing yacht pedigree with exceptional comfort on deck and down below. By Zuzana Prochazka

Photos: Gilles Martin-Raget (Running), Guido Barbagelata (Exterior), Nicolas Claris (Interior)

When Beneteau saw an opportunity to add a little thrill to cruising adventures, it repurposed the First Yacht 53 racer it introduced in 2019 and, with a few fashionable changes, reworked her into the new Oceanis Yacht 54. The result is a performance cruiser that sails like a racer, looks like a grande dame and joins the 62 in the French builder’s flagship collection of sailing boats.

Beneteau entrusted Milan-based Roberto Biscontini as naval architect with fellow Italian Lorenzo Argento handling the exterior and interior design, the pair reuniting after working on the First Yacht 53, which has received multiple orders in Asia through Simpson Marine.

‘The yacht is beautifully balanced. Once she finds her groove, you can take your hands off the wheel or steer with one finger.’

Biscontini’s two decades of America’s Cup experience influenced a balanced hull with a carefully positioned centre of buoyancy. The hull is modern and minimalist with a plumb bow, a vertical and open transom, a low coachroof, and a beam that’s carried all the way aft.

The construction combines fibreglass stringers fixed to an aluminium substructure. The hull is cored with balsa to the keel and the infused construction makes the 54-tonne yacht heavier than her racing predecessor but still light for a cruiser of this size.

ON DECK

The aluminium, deck-stepped Sparcraft rig has two versions: standard air draft at 78ft 9in or the performance mast that adds almost 6ft and 33 per cent more sail area.

L-shaped benches at the helms offer multiple seating areas

Sail combinations include a self-tacking jib or 105 per cent genoa – as used on our test boat – and a furling mainsail, although a classic, full-batten main is an option. The sheeting angles are tight and with the composite sprit, you can add a Code 0 or a full spinnaker.

There’s nothing on deck to catch a lazy sheet. Six pop-up wing cleats fold down neatly and the Lewmar windlass is mounted below deck. The bulwarks are high to provide good footing when heeling.

The two cockpit tables can be lowered and covered for larger lounging areas

Since the stanchions are mounted on top of these bulwarks, the lifelines are high as befits an offshore vessel. By contrast, the cabinhouse is low, almost more of a suggestion than a real structure, so the deck feels elongated and the forward visibility is exceptional.

There are also two choices of keel: standard at 8ft 2in and shoal at 6ft 7in, which is what our test boat had fitted. Combined with twin rudders, the Oceanis Yacht 54 is beautifully balanced. Once she finds her groove, you can take your hands off the wheel or steer with one finger.

Instead of one cockpit table, there are smaller tables on either side, allowing a central path

The cockpit is a stunner and superyachts have nothing on Argento’s layout. The social area is ahead of the wheels and out of the way of working crew. Instead of one cockpit table in the centre, there are smaller tables on either side, which allows for a clear path from the stairs to the transom.

Long sunpads on either side of the companionway and forward are great places to relax and sunbathe during the day or watch the stars in the evening.

The garage can store an 8ft inflated RIB

Twin-angled binnacles hold the wheels and slim dashboards with 12-inch B&G multifunction displays. Engine controls are on top of the binnacle rather than at knee level, which makes docking simpler.

The working cockpit is on a single level and the aft deck provides a great place to observe all the action but still stay out of the way. From here you can walk all the way to the bow with just a step up. It’s a very civilised way to reach the side decks – crawling over the cockpit coaming is a distant memory.

The garage is accessible via a cockpit hatch or transom, which can be lowered electrically to double as the swim platform

Four Harken winches manage the lines, which are led aft to the helms where the driver can manage them easily while sitting astride the small outboard seat. The aft garage is accessible via a cockpit hatch or when the transom is lowered electrically and can hold an inflated 8ft RIB or a deflated 9ft one.

LAYOUT & ACCOMMODATION

The Oceanis Yacht 54 is a semi-custom build, so you can personalise much of the interior by swapping in equipment like a bottle fridge, dishwasher or generator. You can also tinker with the furniture and add a navigation station in the forward port corner of the saloon.

The interior by Lorenzo Argento is available in walnut or oak (the latter is shown in this article); the two double guest cabins are aft of the stairs

The layout on our test boat included three cabins and three heads. The alternative layout is to forego the port head and elongate the galley, a good choice for those who want to entertain aboard, although it means both guest cabins sharing a bathroom. A crew cabin can be added in the forepeak.

Below, as on deck, the approach is minimalist, with necessary functionality tucked away discreetly. Beneteau’s Ship Control, a highly customised Schreiber digital switching system, reduces the number of visible switches and controls. Appliances are hidden and the seating is multifaceted so additional people can be accommodated for an elegant dinner.

The photos above show the layout without an ensuite bathroom for the port guest cabin (above), with the space used for an extended galley (below)

There are two steps that interrupt otherwise flat flooring. One step down is into the galley and the other is into the master stateroom forward. Here you’ll find a large island berth, a split head and shower, an impressive amount of stowage space, plenty of light from the hull windows, and ‘his and hers’ overhead hatches.

Our test boat had the darker walnut finish, while a light oak colour is also available. A detail worthy of mention is the double rail at the companionway that came in handy when we moved in and out of the boat in our gusty conditions.

The forward master suite has two skylights, an ensuite bathroom to starboard, plus masses of storage and hanging space

UNDER SAIL AND POWER

It’s a delight to report that, for once, we had the perfect conditions for a test sail. Warm sun, flat water and a breeze of 15-20 knots allowed us to really see what this yacht could do. In 17 knots of true wind, we made 9.1 knots at 65 degrees apparent wind angle.

When we hoisted the Code 0 and fell off to a beam reach, we topped out at 10.2 knots of boat speed and never reefed. She’s slippery and exhilarating. The one thing an owner will never be with this yacht is bored.

The Oceanis yacht 54 benefits from the First Yacht 53’s racing yacht pedigree

Turning a race boat into a cruising yacht can be tricky. The original is meant to sail fast and heel hard. We were on our ear almost right off the dock. This may appeal to some, but it can be a sporty ride for cruisers used to keeping their gear and bodies in place.

Our boat was fitted with the upgraded 110hp Yanmar turbo diesel and a straight shaft, although standard propulsion is an 80hp Yanmar with saildrive. The larger engine makes this big boat nimble, while the retractable Sidepower bow thruster helps in narrow fairways and tight slips.

The Oceanis Yacht 54 is one of Beneteau’s two new sailing yachts launched in late 2020, along with the Oceanis 40.1

Beneteau’s Dock & Go joystick steering system is an option with the 80hp engine, but with just a thruster, she’s quite manoeuvrable and turns on a dime. We motored at 9.2 knots and 3,300 rpm at wide-open throttle, while a more economical cruise can be found at 8.6 knots and 2,400rpm.

Given her racing origins, it’s no surprise that the Oceanis Yacht 54 is an exciting boat that delivers a fast cruise. With the beautifully redesigned cockpit and depowered rig, she’s classy and a slightly tamer option for cruisers who want to arrive everywhere first but in absolute comfort and style.

www.beneteau.com

www.simpsonmarine.com

Note: The original article appeared in Issue 56 of Yacht Style

Lagoon, Beneteau yachts on show in HK
Simpson Marine displays four Beneteau models and three Lagoon sailing catamarans.

Azimut’s magnificent Magellano flagship

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Azimut’s magnificent Magellano flagship

December 9, 2020
2:45 pm

UK-based Ken Freivokh returns with an exterior design for Azimut’s Magellano line, but the biggest surprise on the Collection’s new 25 Metri flagship is the remarkable interior by Italian Vincenzo de Cotiis. By Clare Mahon.

Ken Freivokh designed the Magellano 25 Metri, which joins the 43, 53 and 66 by Cor D Rover

Azimut may be one of the world’s leading builders of fast planing flybridge yachts, but that doesn’t mean it can’t build yachts with longer-range cruising in mind. With the fourth model in their semi-displacement Magellano series, Azimut’s navetta-style yachts are proving themselves to be unique. And the Magellano 25 Metri, with its timeless exterior design by Ken Freivokh and minimalist modern interiors by Vincenzo de Cotiis, could well be the yacht that takes longer-range cruising to a new level.

Following several models by Cor D. Rover, the Southampton-based Freivokh returned to design the Collection’s new 83ft flagship, having designed Azimut’s first modern navetta (‘shuttle’), the Magellano 74 launched in 2009.

The cockpit can offer an infinity aft view when the transom is lowered (below)

For the 25 Metri, Freivokh created a raised pilothouse design with the clean horizontal lines and straight bow of a contemporary trawler. Azimut applied its innovative carbon-tech construction techniques to make the most of the large interior volumes that Freivokh designed by using weight-saving carbon-fibre extensively in the superstructure.

The aft cockpit sets the tone for a yacht where views to the water are given top priority. With twin couches placed perpendicularly to the glass bulwark that encloses the aft section, the cockpit is spacious and comfortable, and the view is unobstructed by structures and furniture.

The transom can become a large swim platform

While at anchor, the transom can open horizontally to become a large bathing platform or slant down to the water for launching the tender or toys from the garage. Either way you are never shut off from the natural environment around the yacht and the sensation is of infinite space.

The foredeck is exceptionally well appointed and has furnishings that can adapt to different uses throughout the day. Depending on the height the tables are set at, the seating can be used as banquettes or as sunpads, making this a versatile open-air area that will be a key part of on-board life.

The foredeck can be set up with cushions on the coffee tables to form large lounging areas

The flybridge, accessible both from the pilothouse and from the aft cockpit, has an outdoor helm station and is also an excellent space for lounging and entertaining, with a dining table shaded by the hardtop and sunpads and a bar aft.

Freivokh’s raised pilothouse layout provided De Cotiis with an open, uninterrupted area on the main deck that has views straight through from fore to aft.

The flybridge has a clean aft area for loose furniture

DE COTIIS OFFERS FRESH VISION

Known for work that pushes the boundaries between architecture, design and art, De Cotiis approached all aspects of the 25 Metri from new angles, sculpting the spaces and furnishing them with organically shaped pieces in a colour palette that recalls the environment around the yacht.

With this interior, De Cotiis shows that yachts don’t have to be symmetrical to be balanced and that an element of surprise only adds to the beauty of on-board living. Much as his treatment of surfaces and furnishings aboard the 25 Metri is unexpected, it never jars thanks to a tranquil and unified colour palette of sea green, cream and brushed brass used throughout the yacht.

De Cotiis used marble, dark walnut, brushed brass, cream-coloured carpeting and bleached wood

Entering the saloon, the immediate sensation is of air and light. De Cotiis masked the yacht’s structural elements with mirror or clad them in curved and reflective materials so that they seem to disintegrate into the diffused light.

He also made sure that no element of the yacht’s decor was predictably square or rectangular by custom designing all the furniture in irregular shapes that flow instead of encumbering as so often happens when loose ‘design’ pieces are used.

By using faceted, organic shapes, De Cotiis created furniture that is functional but never obvious

He loves an imperfect, patinated effect, so even painted wood surfaces are left with a hint of the underlying material showing through for depth and a sense of history.

The dining table shows just how De Cotiis considered living aboard: its top can be rotated away from the centreline of the yacht so eight people can be seated at once, then shifted back to its usual position to reduce the space being used.

Separated from the saloon by a mirrored door, the bright, airy and elegant crew mess could easily be used as a continuation of the saloon, offering a casual spot with excellent views to the foredeck and beyond.

The dining table in the saloon can be rotated 90 degrees if there are extra dinner guests

Federico Lantero, Product Marketing and Communication Director of the Azimut-Benetti Group, explains why Azimut wanted to work with De Cotiis.

“When you’re on a yacht, you don’t want to feel ‘at home’. You want something more magical. We felt that Vincenzo De Cotiis would know how to create atmosphere and give the yacht personality,” he says.

De Cotiis was working on yacht design for the first time

“In Fano, where we have a shipyard, he became fascinated by fibreglass. He started picking up old, damaged pieces and working with them to bring out imperfections and new tonalities. Many of the surfaces in the saloon, like the bases of the tables and some wall panels, are the result of months of work with fibreglass to achieve the effects that De Cotiis wanted.

“It was a kind of philosophical research for him. The yacht is made of fibreglass, but often the material is covered up. He wanted to give the base material new nobility, to bring it out.”

De Cotiis purpose-developed an artisanal method for layering fibreglass

To create the effects De Cotiis wanted, different layers of fibreglass resin were dusted with metallic particles then sanded down. The Italian’s manual, handcrafted craft approach to fibreglass creates surfaces that are difficult to classify and lovely to look at while remaining durable, versatile and uniquely adapted for marine use.

It’s almost ironic that Azimut used carbon-fibre to build the superstructure and hardtop, concealing a material often used decoratively, while De Cotiis explored the decorative potential of fibreglass, a material that is usually considered so humble and bland that it is hidden.

CULTURED CABINS

De Cotiis works his magic again in the master cabin. Like all the guest accommodation, this full-beam cabin is on the lower deck, aft and built in a floating capsule to reduce potential vibration from the engine room.

The full-beam master suite features lush carpeting; interior fabrics are by Loro Piana Interiors

The large hull windows almost graze the waterline, bringing the sensation of being in nature to the forefront. The bed seems to float on a cloud of white carpeting and closet doors are practically hidden they’re so well integrated. The bathroom layout is unusual but functional, with twin basins to port and separate cubicles for the shower and WC.

Even the ceiling treatment – where irregularly shaped polygonal panels are set off with rays of brushed brass – is unexpected, interesting and elegant. The lighting has been designed for warm,

diffused effects.

The master cabin’s ensuite bathroom

Other guest cabins include two doubles to port and a starboard twin cabin with beds that can slide together to become a double.

All cabins have ensuite bathrooms and are furnished in the same colours and luxury materials used throughout the yacht.

The lower deck includes two VIP double cabins to port

Of course, owning a yacht is not all about fun and games. It takes some serious technology to assure comfort and efficiency aboard. Pierluigi Ausonio’s Studio P.L.A.N.A. provided the naval architecture for the 25 Metri’s dual-mode hull, whose double chines and skeg let it navigate smoothly even in rougher conditions.

At cruising speed, the hull runs on its broad upper chine then transitions at 16-16.5 knots to skim along, deflecting the water off its lower chine. Twin 1400hp MAN engines provide a top speed of up to

24 knots while the cruising range at 12 knots is 750nm.

The lower deck includes a flexible twin cabin (above) to starboard, as well as crew cabins forward

As part of its Green Efficiency Program, Azimut has been collaborating with Studio P.L.A.N.A. for new hull shapes and the 25 Metri bears witness to the results they are achieving. A timely touch in these days of the Covid-19 pandemic is the fact that this is the first yacht that can be fitted with Azimut-Benetti’s BCool sanitising system for renewing, refreshing and recirculating the air inside the yacht.

Lithium batteries can also be added so that the yacht’s hotel functions such as kitchen equipment, AC units and the Humphree fin stabilisers can be used for four-six hours by day or six-eight hours by night, even when the generators are off.

The Magellano 25 Metri is the first yacht fitted with Azimut-Benetti’s BCool sanitising system

In the Magellano 25 Metri, Azimut has created a yacht whose truly sophisticated interiors are backed by the kind of technology that will make it both efficient and pleasurable to use. The 25 Metri that isn’t a just place to display art and enjoy the latest technology – the yacht itself is a technological work of art.

And there’s more to come, with Freivokh and De Cotiis reuniting for the 30 Metri, to be launched in 2022.
www.azimutyachts.com
www.azimutyachts.hk

The original article appeared in Issue 56 of Yacht Style

Galeon 400 Fly: The Mini Transformer

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Galeon 400 Fly: The Mini Transformer

December 3, 2020
4:57 pm

Now in Asia, the new Galeon 400 Fly is the yard’s smallest model offering its iconic folding balconies, opening a new chapter for outdoor living on a 41-footer.

A recent arrival in Hong Kong, the Galeon 400 Fly was premiered at Boot Dusseldorf in January 2020

It takes all of five minutes aboard the 400 Fly to banish the notion that its balconies are just a gimmick, designed to lure people in at boat shows. The balconies are half of the story when it comes to creating the best cockpit in class, because it’s how the designers have used the spaces around the balcony to really make the most of them.

The way the saloon opens to the outside spaces is very intelligent. The doors slide all the way across to port and expose the aft end of the saloon dinette, which has a two-way backrest so two people can sit facing aft and join in with those sitting around the cockpit table.

At anchor, the sides can be dropped to create an enormous cockpit

Better yet, this double bench pivots and locks in place to straddle the threshold between cockpit and saloon to create a more sociable seating arrangement.

Two other key options that improve the aft deck are the hydraulic bathing platform and the transom wet bar. The platform includes built-in steps that open as the platform descends into the water, so you don’t have an awkward scramble between the main deck and lowered platform.

The cockpit has an adjustable table, while aft is a grill, chopping board and sink

The transom bar features a barbecue grill, chopping board, sink and drained cooler, and these two additions in tandem with the balconies create a genuinely outstanding outdoor living space that quickly become the social hub of the boat.

The balconies can either be left open and used to drop into the water from either side of the cockpit or set up with the poles, ropes, a table and chairs so you can have a drink overlooking the water.

FOREDECK AND FLYBRIDGE

With all this trickery on the main deck, it’s easy to forget that there’s also a flybridge to make use of. It’s a good one, too, sensibly laid out and deep enough that you feel well protected even with the bimini down.

The flybridge offers an enormous amount of wraparound seating, and has the option of a wet bar with a grill, sink and fridge

All the seating is mounted at a good height, with short bases and tall backrests, so it’s comfortable to sit for long periods around the table. There isn’t a sunpad on the top deck, but there is space for a compact wet bar with a grill, sink and fridge.

There is space to sunbathe between either the convertible cockpit dinette or foredeck sunpad. The latter also features a flip-up bench at its forward end, creating a lovely spot to retire to on anchor or when the boat is pushing along at displacement speed.

In the saloon, it’s the helm door, of all things, that steals the show due to the sheer size of it. It essentially opens half of the starboard side of the saloon to the side deck but also locks in three different positions.

The ventilation benefits are obvious, but most impressive is the way it links the saloon and decks, providing a connection to the outside that you simply don’t expect from a smallish flybridge cruiser.

The saloon (above) has large windows, seating on both sides and an adjustable table; the L-shaped galley (below) is forward to port, beside the helm station

It feeds into the clever layout of the aft deck and works in synergy with the balconies and sliding doors aft to create easy circulation around the boat that means you don’t have to rely solely on the cockpit doors to move into the saloon.

TWO ENSUITE CABINS

Few flybridge cruisers with these dimensions are without compromise and on the Galeon it’s found in the midships cabin, which unlike rivals from Sealine and Prestige, has crouching room only.

The lower deck features a full-beam double midships

The rest of the cabin is actually pretty good, the fit-out is smart and, being full beam, there’s a decent amount of room around the bed, although there’s no avoiding the fact the cabin is quite difficult to move around inside.

The ensuite doesn’t suffer from such issues and features classy fittings in the separate shower cubicle, where there’s over 6ft of headroom, with both a pull-out showerhead and rainfall fixture overhead.

The ensuite bathroom for the midships cabin is to starboard

Owners will most likely opt for the forward cabin purely because it has full standing headroom and is also ensuite. Yes, the midships cabin has its flaws, but you can’t grumble too much about a sub-42ft boat that has two double cabins and a bathroom each.

If you have guests on board who aren’t a couple, the scissor-action berths in the forward cabin transform into a pair of singles, which is a useful option and adds to the flexibility of the sleeping spaces.

The scissor-action berths in the forward cabin can transform into a pair of singles

As with the rest of the interior, the cabins and bathrooms are finished to a high standard, with doors that shut with an engineered clunk and classy indirect lighting that emits a homely glow in the evening. It’s pleasing to see that even with one of its smaller models, Galeon isn’t cutting corners when it comes to fit and finish.

FUN FROM THE HELM

From either helm, the 400 is a good boat to drive but, unusually for a flybridge, it’s the lower helm that impresses most. Again, it’s the side door that makes all the difference, allowing the helmsman, in good weather, to romp along with the breeze in their face and the sound of the water streaming past the hull.

The lower helm in the saloon benefits from the side door

It’s brilliant when berthing, too, both for communication with crew and because the skipper can see easily and get out on to the side deck to help with lines.

It does, from the lower helm especially, need quite a bit of trim tab to keep the bow level and maintain a clear view forward. The balconies, hi-lo platform, transom wet bar and the likes of a tender or jetski add weight at the stern of the boat, so it’s likely the trim tabs would be employed a lot of the time to find the optimum running attitude when cruising.

The Galeon 400 Fly can reach almost 30 knots

This weight is another reason why the highest-powered engines are the most sensible choice. We achieved a two-way top speed of 29.4 knots with no cruising gear, less than half fuel, and no fresh water on board, so you can imagine that smaller powerplants might struggle to shift the boat, especially if there is some growth on the hull and props.

As it is, the 400 feels comfortable cruising at 22-25 knots, with 23 knots proving most efficient once you’re past displacement speeds. It’s no sportsboat, but it handles well and feels solidly planted in the water, with no creaks or groans emanating from the interior. I can’t speak for the IPS or sterndrives versions, but in shaft-drive guise, the 400 performs very tidily.

Galeon dealer Asiamarine has been arranging viewings in Hong Kong

The first Galeon 400 in Asia was recently delivered to Hong Kong by local dealer Asiamarine, which has been busy organising viewings for prospects interested in the new ‘mini transformer’. There may be better options out there if cabin space is top of the priority list, but if you cherish life on deck above all else, no other small flybridge cruiser comes anywhere close.

– Mike Ellis

www.galeon.pl
www.asiamarine.com

Asiamarine Grows With Fraser, Galeon and Bali Catamarans | Yacht Style
For a man representing Galeon, one of the world's hottest motor yacht brands, and Fraser, one of the world's leading superyacht brokerage houses, Eric Noyel carries a calm yet cautious air. Eric Noyel (middle), founder & CEO of Asiamarine, with (left-right) Hamish Pope, Kenny Chan, Sum Lo, Adam Blackmore, Laura Verbrugge and Sacha Chouraqu i The Frenchman has good reason to feel assured.

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Ferretti Yachts raises the bar on new 500

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Ferretti Yachts raises the bar on new 500

October 23, 2020
8:21 pm

With an exterior by Filippo Salvetti and interior by IdeaeItalia, the new Ferretti Yachts 500 is the Italian builder’s entry-level model and the first to feature the brand’s ‘Just Like Home’ design language.

Ferretti Yachts 500 is the brand’s third model with an exterior by Filippo Salvetti

Ferretti Yachts’ new 500 is the smallest model in its range, but it’s also a look to the future. The 15.3m model is the brand’s third with an exterior by Filippo Salvetti but the first with an interior by IdeaeItalia and ushers in a new for the brand, as both design firms are also working on the upcoming flagship 1000.

“The layout on the Ferretti Yachts 500 is carefully designed to offer the owner all the opportunities of a larger craft,” Ferretti Yachts states. “The all-new interior design embraces the values expressed by the ‘Just Like Home’ claim, which means comfort, ‘Italianness’, timeless design and artisan expertise.”

Twin 550mhp Cummins QSB 6.7 engines produce a top speed of 30 knots and a cruising speed of 25

Salvetti first worked with Ferretti on the 670 that debuted in 2018 followed by the 720 launched last year. The brand-new 500 is currently the entry model for a seven-strong range that also includes 550, 780, 850 and 920 models.

Like all Ferretti Yachts models, the design collaboration included the Ferretti Group’s Product Strategy Committee led by Piero Ferrari and the Group’s Engineering Department.

The submersible swim platform makes the most of the yacht’s 14ft beam

The 50-footer has a beam of just over 14ft (4.3m) and retains many of the same features as the brand’s larger yachts, like the swim platform, which on this unit features optional steps when submerged, for safety while entering the water, and is fitted with a new-generation lift system. The aft area also features generous storage space.

There’s access from both sides up to the cockpit, which has a sofa and a table in front of it. This area can be used for relaxing or as a dining space seating up to eight people. Alternatively, the backrest can be reclined to form a sun lounger, which can be extended by converting the table into seating with cushions.

The cockpit is well connected to the interior and features stairs to the flybridge

The flybridge has multi-purpose setting, with an aft dining area dominated by a sofa that run along port side, aft and slightly along starboard, surrounding a table that can be extended to seat more guests.

The huge sunpad on the starboard side of the bow area is fitted with a double backrest for maximum comfort. Alongside it, the exterior helm station has a new concept dashboard and the dedicated pilot seat. Incorporated in the design is the possibility of sheltering the living areas with a bimini top.

The flybridge helm (above) on the first unit has a 12in screen; the aft area (below) has lots of seating and a wet bar

The flybridge helm station on the first unit is fitted with a single 12in monitor, while the standard version has a 9in monitor.

There’s also outdoor lounging space on the foredeck, which has a central sunpad with optional reclining backrests.

INTERIORS JUST LIKE HOME
The cockpit glass door connects the exterior and interior, boosted by a great tilting window, while the galley is well located and designed to serve the dining area and also the cockpit area.

The cockpit sofa has a reclining backrest, while the table can be covered with cushions

The main deck has a spacious lounge area featuring two sofas and an adjustable table that be converted into a dining table using the rotating extension mechanism, and a coffee table using the up-down system.

On the lower deck, Ferretti Yachts offers two layouts: one with a spacious master cabin and a VIP cabin, both with private bathroom and small laundry, while the other includes a master cabin, a VIP cabin and a double with two single beds and two bathrooms. The big windows flood the bathrooms with natural light.

The first unit features IdeaeItalia’s lighter Contemporary mood; Classic is the other interior option

Midships, the full-beam master cabin features new design solutions such as a mirror behind the bed that stretches across the width of the cabin, increasing the sense of space. The layout also offers a TV area for screens up to 43in, plus roomy lockers and drawers. The basin top and shower walls in the master bathroom are clad in premium materials.

The table can be adjusted for size with the rotating extension mechanism and for height with the up-down system.

The other cabins reprise the design of the master cabin, making use of the same colours and exclusively ‘Made in Italy’ materials.

An attractive option for owners in Asia is that the huge aft peak on the lower deck can be converted into a crew cabin on request.

CONTEMPORARY OR CLASSIC
The first unit is personalised with the Contemporary interior design mood inspired by the colours of Santorini and dominated by oak in different sand-coloured tones for the walls, furniture and parquet, paired with polished and matt lacquer in various shades of white.

The full-beam master suite midships benefits from enlarged hull windows

Glass, polished steel and fabrics in grey, sky blue and beige are expertly combined to create a refined and contemporary atmosphere. The natural stone effect grey tiles and white marble in the galley and bathrooms enhance the interior design with outstanding materials for a 50-footer.

The interiors bring together Made in Italy brands, starting with the furnishings: Graniti Fiandre, Galassia and OML for the bathroom, Colombo handles, Cadorin parquet, Pellini lacquered venetian blinds, Zimmer+Rohde sofas and Paffoni mixer taps. And making the onboard experience even more comfortable is the Gentili Mosconi Home Collection of fabrics for Ferretti Yachts.

The forward VIP suite is the second of an optional three cabins, while a crew cabin can be added aft

The interior is also available in the Classic mood, which features warm colours inspired by the town of Portofino and is dominated by dark oak paired with polished and matt lacquer in black and white. Fabrics and leather in brown and beige are accompanied by polished nickel and dark stoneware effect marble in the bathrooms.

POWER AND TECHNOLOGY
The Ferretti Yachts 500 is powered by a pair of 550mhp Cummins QSB 6.7 engines and, based on preliminary data, is predicted to have a top speed of 30 knots and a cruising speed of 25 knots.

Technology includes Humphree dynamic trim interceptors and gyroscopic stabilisation

The yacht is also fitted with a set of Humphree dynamic trim interceptors with automatic operating mode to simplify use and reduce consumption. It can also be fitted on request with gyroscopic stabilisation to improve stability at anchor and when cruising.

On this first unit, the interior helm station on the main deck has three touchscreen monitors, one 9in and two 12in, and an optional joystick with docking mode eases handling in confined waters.

Ferretti Yachts is preparing to make a big splash with its new 100ft flagship, but at the other end of the range, its new 500 offers all you could want and more in a fantastic 50-footer.
www.ferretti-yachts.com
www.ferrettigroup.com
To contact Ferretti Group Asia-Pacific, email: infoapac@ferrettigroup.com

Sixty 5 rounds out Lagoon’s ‘big four’

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Sixty 5 rounds out Lagoon’s ‘big four’

September 29, 2020
4:43 pm

Joining Lagoon’s Seventy 8 and Sixty 7 powercats and the pioneering Seventy 7 sail cat, the new Sixty 5 offers comfort, easy handling, remarkable space and a wide range of layout options for all three decks.

Appearing a year after the Sixty 67 powercat, the Sixty 5 has a mast clearance of 111ft. Photos: Nicolas Claris

Lagoon’s new Sixty 5 sailing catamaran completes the brand’s current ‘big four’ and comes out a year after the Sixty 67 powercat debuted at the Cannes Yachting Festival.

The Sixty 5 is the French builder’s second-biggest sail model and is inspired by her big sister, the Seventy 7 that debuted in 2016 at Cannes, from where the first hull eventually made her way to Hong Kong for her Asia debut before heading to her home in the Philippines.

The Seventy 8 powercat premiered at Cannes the following year, with the model’s first hull in Asia arriving this year.

The Sixty 5 is Lagoon’s second-biggest sailing catamaran

The Sixty 5 is the sailing sister of the Sixty 7, but despite the name, has a greater overall length of 67ft 5in (20.55m), exactly a metre longer than her hull length of 64ft 2in (19.55m).

She’s also the successor to the acclaimed 620, which was launched in 2009 and upgraded with a Nauta interior in 2012, and has proved popular across Asia’s warmer cruising destinations including Thailand, the Philippines and the tropical island of Sanya, ‘China’s Hawaii’.

Like the Sixty 7, the Sixty 5 has streamlined bows, a rounded cockpit, high freeboards and, above all, great volume, as well as a beam of 33ft (10m).

VPLP’s Marc Van Peteghem says: “Her long legs allow you to eat up the miles and then you can enjoy her comfort at stopovers.”

Constructed at the Lagoon headquarters in Bordeaux, where the brand’s 50ft-plus models are built, the yacht was drawn by the brand’s trusted design team of VPLP for naval architecture and Italy’s Nauta Design for the interior. The result is wide circulation spaces on board and a modern, well balanced silhouette.

Marc Van Peteghem, who co-founded VPLP in 1983, says: “I’m a sailor at heart and there was no way the Sixty 5 wasn’t going to be a really easy-to-use yacht that could cruise far and wide under sail in comfort and with seakeeping qualities inherited from her big sister (Seventy 7).

“I dream of going long-term cruising on this boat. Her long legs allow you to eat up the miles and then you can enjoy her comfort at stopovers.”

SPACE ABOARD

Stepping aboard via the aft platform, you immediately appreciate the comfort and ease of moving from one space to another, with the sheltered cockpit acting as a hub for most outdoor activities.

A rotating, smokeless barbecue is fitted into the port side of the cockpit, by the aft sofa

The aft of the cockpit features the reversible bench seat seen on the Sixty 7, an innovative and practical design for use at anchor where guests can relax facing the sea.

The heart of the cockpit is an L-shaped sofa and long dining table with plenty of space to port for loose chairs, offering comfortable dining for six people and up to eight at a squeeze. A wet bar to port includes a fridge, freezer, cooler and sink.

A wide staircase to port leads to a great flybridge, which offers over 330sqft of space protected by a rigid composite bimini, with a wet bar beside the staircase.

The bright, spacious saloon features a C-shaped sofa and lounge area with a low coffee table to port, and a large dining table and L-shaped sofa on the starboard side

The fly has two helm consoles and top-of-the-range electric winches. For the skipper, the visibility is excellent and is aided by a camera system that monitors the front and rear hulls of the catamaran, while a bow thruster is an option for those who may need help parking a yacht of this length and width.

Lagoon offers various furniture options and layouts for the flybridge including a large sunbathing area aft and a dining table alongside a fitted starboard sofa. The Tribu version features an athwartships dining table with loose furniture aft.

OPTIONS ABOUND

There are also a range of choices for the interior, starting with either the galley up or down in the port hull.

Grey oak and beige are among upholstery options for the sofas in the saloon, where a 54in TV is hidden in the ceiling

With the galley up, located along the port side of the saloon and featuring an island bar, the accommodation options are six cabins, three on each side, or five, with the owner’s suite using the space of the aft two cabins in the starboard hull.

The hull we sea trialled featured the galley down in the aft port hull and this is likely to be the most popular option for Asia-based buyers, with accommodation ranging from four or five cabins, still a large offering.

With this layout, the 322sqft (30sqm) saloon offers two huge sofas on either side, with a coffee table to port and a dining table to starboard. Forward is a navigation station including an elegant chart

table, while to its right is a well-equipped bar area with ice maker, wine cooler and refrigerator.

The galley has Miele home-size appliances including a microwave, electric stove and oven, double fridge, double sink and a secondary freezer in the floor

The interior offers remarkable views on all sides including through to the forward lounge, which is accessed by a central door and is one space that underwhelms. More cosy than expansive, it has sunken sofas and just two fixed sun loungers, on either side, although there’s room to throw down a few towels if more people want to lounge.

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION

If the large owner’s suite is chosen, as it was on the version we viewed, it’s located aft on the starboard side and has two stairways, from the saloon and beside the cockpit. It’s also the favourite room of Nauta’s Massimo Gino, who led the interior design with Mario Pedol.

The owner’s suite is in the starboard hull and has an en-suite bathroom with private stairs up to the aft cockpit

The interior headroom is impressive and the large window offers plenty of light and a nice sea view. Other strong points included a low king-size bed, a library, plenty of storage areas and, through sliding doors, a large en-suite bathroom with his and her sinks, a separate toilet and stairs leading up beside the cockpit.

The guest cabins all feature sea-facing beds and en-suite bathrooms, and are similarly well finished. There’s an additional layout option. The midships cabin in the starboard hull can be used as a crew cabin with bunk beds, en-suite bathroom, desk by the window and direct access to the kitchen in the galley-down layout.

The galley-down is suitable for a crewed yacht but also offers a beautifully designed enclosed kitchen with a comfortable dinette that could be used by guests for breakfast. Again, the choice is yours.

The Sixty 5 is as attractive at night as she is during the day

Designed for long cruises, the Sixty 5’s long-haul design benefits from the experience of the VPLP office and the builder, which has produced over 5,000 Lagoons for the global market since 1984.

Despite its 40-tonne weight, the catamaran flirts silently with nine knots in 15 knots of wind propelled by an almost 100sqm genoa. The mast set back offers good stability and should reassure family owners, although some will reproach the cat’s lack of feeling at the helm.

Standard engines are twin 150hp Volvo D3s with a cruising speed of nine knots or you can upgrade to 180hp Volvo D4s for a cruising speed of just under 10 knots. The range on the latter is about 800nm at 1,500rpm or 467nm at 2,000rpm, which is over nine knots, reassurance that you can reach your next anchorage even on days without wind.

www.cata-lagoon.com
www.simpsonmarine.com

Riva 88’ Folgore: Fast as Lightning

Leave a Comment / Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Riva 88’ Folgore: Fast as Lightning

September 24, 2020
3:08 pm

Presented at this year’s Ferretti Group Private Preview, Riva’s new Sportfly flagship has a shark-grey hull, serious style and – as its name suggests – lightning speed.

The first unit has a top speed of 39 knots with twin 2,638mhp MTU engines

A new Riva is always a welcome occasion and this year the 88’ Folgore – Italian for lightning – combines the sleekness and speed of a sport boat with the exquisitely finished exterior and interior spaces the brand is renowned for.

Among the new models showcased at this year’s Ferretti Group Private Preview in Monaco, the first unit of the Folgore has a shark-grey hull with bright black detailing, classic colours in the Riva tradition of recent years.

Built from composite materials, with carbon-fibre reinforcements in the superstructure, the Folgore features plenty of marble, crystal glass and stainless steel, yet still racks up 39 knots with the more powerful of its twin MTU 16V options.

The Folgore has an overall length of 26.9m (88ft 4in)

Officina Italiana Design, headed by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, designs the entire Riva range and for this heir to the Domino, one of the brand’s top sellers, the firm has again collaborated with the Ferretti Group’s Product Strategy Committee, led by Piero Ferrari, and its Engineering Department.

The course set by Officina Italiana Design with the Dolceriva continues with the new design of the hull windows, which looks a bit like a clean black brushstroke along the yacht’s silver side.

The Folgore is another collaboration between Officina Italiana Design and Ferretti Group

Mahogany-and-steel detailing and carbon-fibre elements continue to show the influence of past and present on recent Rivas, while navigation lights framed in polished stainless steel or the continuous aquamarine waterline exemplify sophisticated functional design.

The walkway handrails are also carbon-fibre and steel, with a section on the starboard side that also acts as the handle for the access door to the interior. Making this boat even more unique is the innovative windscreen, manufactured with spherical crystals that result in a slight counter-curvature.

The garage can house a Williams Sportjet 395 and a jetski

Another innovative feature is the glass roof in the superstructure, which swings open both towards the stern and the bow, to allow fresh air in either when cruising or at anchor. Under the roof is a slatted structure that separates the interior and exterior spaces if desired. The standard solution is a fixed roof.

EXTERIORS
Aiming to offer a design that combines aesthetics and functionality, the Folgore delivers a redesigned stern, with a rear door that swings open into two different positions: parallel to the waterline for use as a 6sqm beach club or submerged for launching and recovering the tender.

The cockpit’s mahogany table can be lowered to form a huge sunpad

Two sets of teak side steps lead to the 22sqm multifunctional cockpit area. The first unit has a huge dining area with a sofa that can be transformed into a sunpad by operating the up-down mechanism that raises and lowers the polished mahogany tabletop.

On the left is a service unit with a storage compartment, an ice-maker and either a fridge or the third command station for stern mooring operations. To starboard, the mobile bar next to the sportfly stairs has a Stone by Florim marble top that opens electrically and two stools.

The foredeck has a huge C-shaped sofa and a sunpad for at least four people

The crew quarters can be accessed through a companion hatch under the stairway, as well as from the galley on the lower deck.

In the bow, the layout of this first unit features a huge C-shaped sofa with a coffee table that swings open to reveal a big storage area and, further forward, a sunpad that can accommodate at least four people.

A small sun hood is integrated in the foredeck sunpad

Integrated in the sunpad is a small sun hood that is opened by an electro-hydraulic mechanism, while the entire 23sqm area can be covered with awnings.

The 20sqm sportfly offers the owner even more ideas for ways to relax in comfort, with a big sunpad plus sofa in the stern, another sofa with a coffee table and pouf on the port side, and yet another sofa to starboard.

The sportfly features lots of seating and a central helm station

The helm station is centrally positioned in the bow, with a pivoting backrest shared by the sofa, and features two 16-inch touchscreen displays. This area can also be completely covered with awnings.

INTERIORS
Entered through the glass door in the cockpit, the interiors on the main deck are divided into lounge, dining and helm areas.

The interior areas have 2m of headroom

The height of all the interior areas touches 2m and is even higher on the lower deck, a huge plus point for any guests.

A mix of wood, leather and steel characterises the onboard decor on both the main and lower decks. The dominant wood on this first unit is polished rosewood, combined with pale or dark coloured leather inserts and white parquet.

The saloon has a large Poliform sofa to starboard

These pairings and the contrasting white and black lacquered sections of ceiling create surprising contrasts that infuse the boat with a refined, classical elegance, enhanced by the natural light that floods in through the continuous side windows and the windscreen.

The saloon features a grey marble Poliform coffee table and a big ice-coloured Poliform sofa to starboard that faces a cabinet with a TV (up to 55 inches). Also on the port side is the dining area, featuring a big tinted glass table with a stainless-steel base and grey Minotti chairs with charcoal-coloured nubuck backrests.

Forward of the saloon, the dining table seats up to eight

The helm station is starboard, has two adjustable-height leather seats and is separated from the saloon by a full-height tinted glass partition. The captain can also enter and leave through the door next to the helm station.

LOWER DECK
The lower deck features the full-beam owner’s suite midships, a VIP double in the bow, a portside VIP cabin with convertible twin beds, and a guest twin, all with en-suite bathrooms. The starboard cabin’s bathroom also acts as the day head.

The 20sqm owner’s suite is proposed with three different layouts

Mirrored surfaces dominate all the cabins. Walls clad with tinted mirrors and widescreen TVs are cleverly paired with wood, leather, fabric and colours that match those on the main deck.

The 20sqm owner’s suite is proposed with three different layouts. The first unit is fitted with version A, which has one big owner’s bathroom, a walk-in closet and a vanity table with a leather-and-aluminium Living Divani chair.

The owner’s suite makes the most of the yacht’s beam of 20ft 8in

The furnishings are rounded out by several pieces of freestanding furniture chosen by the owner, including a Poliform brown leather chair, a black-painted steel Frank coffee table by B&B Italia, and a silver armchair by Minotti. Access is down three white marble steps, while the floor, shower and basin top in the owner’s bathroom are finished in white and gold polished Calacatta marble.

The standard version has a smaller bathroom and two walk-in closets, while version B offers the possibility of two bathrooms with separate services and a single central shower, in addition to the walk-in wardrobe.

The VIP cabin in the bow has two wardrobes

The lower deck also features the galley and crew quarters, which contain a mess area, two cabins with bunk beds and head, and a laundry with a washing machine plus an optional clothes dryer. One of the two entrances to the engine room is located here, while the other is in the cockpit.

PROPULSION AND TECHNOLOGY
This first unit is fitted with a pair of MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines rated 2,638mhp, for a top speed of 39 knots and a cruising speed of 33, each speed three knots faster than with the standard 2,435mhp engines.

The first Riva 88’ Folgore has a top speed of 39 knots and a cruising speed of 33 knots

The helm station on the main bridge has Xenta electro-hydraulic steering gear, with independent rudder management for sporty turn optimisation. There’s also a Loop-integrated dashboard developed in collaboration with Naviop-Simrad, which integrates onboard monitoring with navigation and manoeuvring instruments, from which the captain can manage the entire yacht.

The first unit is equipped with three 19-inch touchscreen displays. A joystick features docking-mode functionality for easy handling in confined waters such as when mooring alongside, with lateral movement aided by the proportional bow thruster.

The first unit is equipped with three 19-inch touchscreen displays and a joystick

In addition to all this, a Dynamic Positioning System maintains the yacht in the same position even in strong winds and currents, an ideal solution when preparing to moor or waiting to refuel. The new model is fitted with Humphree stabilising fins, while the Folgore can also be fitted with the Seakeeper SK26 gyroscopic stabiliser.

With the 88’ Folgore, Riva has created another winner in another dynamic year for the Ferretti Group.
www.riva-yacht.com
www.ferrettigroup.com

To contact Ferretti Group Asia-Pacific, email: infoapac@ferrettigroup.com

Ferretti Group Sells 12 Yachts in Asia-Pacific in Record Year
Ferretti Group has secured €70 million in sales in Asia-Pacific so far in 2020 and recently signed two new dealerships in Southeast Asia.

CL Yachts launches lucky CLB88

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

CL Yachts launches lucky CLB88

September 17, 2020
1:14 pm

CL Yachts unveiled its flagship CLB88 in Hong Kong before hull one headed to the US for its world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale show. By Andrew Dembina.

The CLB88 is the new flagship of CL Yachts, which is headquartered in Hong Kong

The much-anticipated CLB88, the second model in the CLB series by Hong Kong-headquartered CL Yachts, debuted in August after production of the first hull remained almost on schedule despite Covid-19.

The motor yacht was temporarily berthed at the company’s office and service yard in Hong Kong, having been built at its production shipyard west of Zhuhai, a city now connected by bridge to Hong Kong.

The Asian ‘reveal’ of the CLB88 preceded the planned world premiere in the US at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which is scheduled for October 28-November 1.

The CLB88 has a RINA hull construction certificate and a top speed of 25 knots

The CLB88 is CL Yachts’ new flagship and has a RINA-certified hull that planes when underway, tracking smoothly and rising to avoid spray on the bow in most conditions.

The hull was built in consultation with structural engineering firm and composite developer Gurit, utilising carbon-fibre and advanced resin-infusion technology.

ON THE LEVEL
Milan-based designer Jozeph Forakis designed the interior and exterior on the CLB88 in his first yacht design, having created the logo and branding for CL Yachts. The main-deck saloon plays on a long sweep of marine teak flooring laid from aft to helm station, with matching ceiling panelling.

The saloon benefits from large windows on both sides and forward, where there’s a separate dining area, bar, galley and helm station

“Everything is on one level, so it’s less hazardous. A lot of times when you step on a boat, you’re going up and down, and you take it for granted that there are different levels and you don’t even notice it,” says Hans Lo, CL Yachts’ Deputy Director.

“It’s not an easy task in design. You often see levels going up and down to give headroom downstairs in the cabins. It takes a lot of juggling to have that and keep one level upstairs.”

Saloon visibility and sightlines are uninterrupted, with large unobstructed windows accentuating a sense of openness. Forward of the dining area, a counter-cum-serving hatch can look onto the galley and helm. Alternatively, for privacy, its semi-opaque, ridged-glass windows can be closed by remote control, as can matching glass-door access.

The dining table is opposite a bar

HEART OF THE MAIN DECK
“The galley can be an inviting place to gather for friends and family, so we’ve made it as such for the first layout for CLB88,” Lo explains.

A square marble-topped island counter offers plenty of space for food preparation or casual drinking and snacking, as well as twin steel basins. Ample space around the island allows easy access to reach a dishwasher, large oven, one of three icemakers on board, a freezer and deep fridge drawers. The galley’s main double-door fridge is unusually large, even unexpected outside a domestic kitchen.

Forward is the galley with an island counter, plus a raised dinette beside the teak-laden helm station

Just forward of the island counter and its surround utilities are the only two raised areas, a dinette and the helm, to allow elevated visibility for both. “A raised dinette allows you to see your surroundings in your peripheral vision and adds to your comfort while underway.”

A day head at the cockpit end of the saloon features the luxurious materials and use of space seen throughout, incorporating walnut veneer on cabinetry, all of which uses light honeycomb construction material to reduce weight and offset heavier wood and stone surfaces.

LUXE TOUCHES OUTDOORS

The flybridge features a dining table and L-shaped sofa facing a large L-shaped bar with stools

In the cockpit, broad banquette seating sits by an elongated hexagonal riser table with an immaculate French-polished teak veneer top, in keeping with the general on-board design theme of melding classic and contemporary elements with full marine function.

A few steps away is a small bar counter with refrigerator, ice machine, and storage for drinks and glassware. At the stern is access to the crew quarters and a sizeable engine room, containing the twin 1,600hp Caterpillar C32 engines. Further aft, the submersible swim platform can hold a tender, as can the aft area of the flybridge with the addition of a davit crane.

The flybridge can be reached by either cockpit or spiral saloon stairwells. The fully open-sided upper deck is so spacious that several groups of people can find their own space whether it’s the main dining table, long wet bar counter, grill station, aft sun lounger area or forward helm station with companion seating for two.

The aft of the flybridge offers a versatile clear area with a davit and wet bar to port

Back downstairs, the generously wide side decks – which can also be reached through a door behind the main-deck helm – lead to the bow’s banquette and sun pads, which overlook a large stainless-steel windlass and anchor that form focal points at the prow that might be expected on a much larger pleasure craft.

AND ON TO BED
On the lower deck, the CLB88 manages to fit two full-beam staterooms midships, making the most of the yacht’s 22ft 6in width. In fact, panelling against the hull is avoided to gain extra inches.

On the lower deck, the CLB88 features two full-beam cabins situated adjacent amidships, as well as a twin cabin and a double cabin in the bow

It might be an injustice to call the very roomy en-suite bathrooms in each ‘heads’, especially the one in the master suite. All are a combination of tactile wood veneers, marbles and high-quality composites. As well as the two full-beam suites, there’s a twin cabin and a double in the bow, both also ensuite.

LOOKING AHEAD
The brand’s next model, scheduled to launch in the first half of 2021, is the CLX96, designed inside and out by Forakis, with Florida-based naval architect Earl Alfaro handling the hull design.

“The CLX 96 will be a ‘crossover’ boat that encourages you to go on a serious voyage or adventure, to navigate all seas and to give confidence when facing rough conditions. It’s completely new, with new hull and mould designs,” says Lo, who also says the yard is developing additional models.

The CLX96, designed by Jozeph Forakis, is due to launch in 2021

For now, though, attention is on the new flagship, which Lo hopes will enjoy similar popularity to its little sister.

“We know that in this size category, the CLB88 has a very attractive price for what you’re getting. All the equipment is equal to or better than that on European-built boats,” Lo says. “And although we’ve been making spec boats that have sold quickly, particularly in the US, we can also make yachts using appliances, outlets and layouts to suit buyers worldwide.”
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