The flush deck that lies above the massive stowage in the forward tender garages is just three steps down from the protection afforded by the Portuguese bridge. The large expanse of teak, uninterrupted by additional settees, tables and lounges on the forward deck, tends to take your breath away, especially under way. At anchor, watching the sun set from a few deck chairs here will improve anyone’s relationship to nature.
Abaft this area is the highly functional wheelhouse, which is served by wing controls on both sides. The outward curve of the wraparound windows reminded me slightly of the Martin Francis-designed Eco, which later found its way into Larry Ellison’s stewardship. Not only does the treatment look striking perched atop the graphite-colored aluminum hull, but it also opens up the line of sight. Three helm chairs serve the all-business dash, while the ship’s office is aft and to starboard, allowing for a smaller, intimate skylounge farther aft, which includes plenty of bookshelves, a flatscreen television and access to the upper-deck pantry.
The theme of sensible proportions continues through to the shaded aft deck, with sun pads and large Jacuzzi. But wait, where’s the next level, the sun deck stuck on top of the wheelhouse like a crooked bride and groom on a five-layer wedding cake? There is none, which helps create the extremely streamlined profile. I loved it.
The lower aft deck features two large L-shaped settees and teak tables that can extend for all-hands dining. Walking through the salon doors, my first reaction on each occasion was simply to think, “Ahh, serenity now.” The soothing, neutral palette of the white oak doesn’t jar the senses, which will allow the scenery that streams through Exuma’s windows during her adventures to play the leading role. Perini Navi’s in-house designer created a layout that flows easily from the salon to the forward dining room, and on through the forward master stateroom. The artwork gathered by the owner on previous voyages is peppered throughout the interior, reminding you that this lady is ready for adventure.
Three additional staterooms and a gym are on the lower deck, along with a full-service galley. The small engines are placed abaft amidships and are served by a top-notch engineer’s station behind the generators. Further aft, an additional tender garage in the stern holds the second RIB.
At this writing, Exuma is in the Pacific and on her way around the world. If you want to experience this magical craft during the voyage, she is also available for charter. You may wish to spend two weeks though: the first week to kick back and relax, and the second week to plan your own Vitruvius.
LOA: 164’0”
Beam: 31’2”
Draft: 7’7”
Displ.: 440 tons
Fuel: 19,812 gal.
Water: 17,000 liters
Construction: Aluminum
Design: Philippe Briand
Interior: Perini Navi
Engines: 2 x Caterpillar C32 diesels
Generators: 2 x 115 kW Caterpillars, 1 x 86 kW Caterpillar
Stabilizers: Quantum Marine QC 1500, Zero Speed
Bow Thruster: Van der Velden, retractable
Watermaker: 2 x Idromar
Speed: 16.5 knots max, 12 knots cruise
Range: 5,500 miles at 12 knots
Picchiotti, +39-0187-28371; www.perininavigroup.it
