Benetti 171 Sai Ram
Sai Ram, a 171-foot motoryacht from Benetti, was designed to be more a floating villa than a typical yacht. A great deal of attention was given to maximizing the effect of open space, including mirrors and glass panels between the main and upper decks, and large windows throughout. Available for charter, Sai Ram carries 12 guests in six cabins, but offers a great deal of flexibility in her arrangement as a result of bulkhead panels and furniture that can be moved as needs change. A unique feature is the children’s area aft, where the younger guests and their nannies can play and eat without disturbing the adults. Sai Ram is built for long-range operation, with a maximum speed of 16 knots and a range of 6,000 miles at 12 knots, according to the builder. Benetti, (011) 39 05843821; www.benettiyachts.it. -Dudley Dawson
Perini Navi 183 Burrasca
Her owner was so eager to begin the long-planned world cruise that few photos of Burrasca are available. The 183-foot aluminum ketch left Perini Navi’s yard in January, and quickly proved her capability by setting nearly 17,000 square feet of sail and achieving a speed in excess of 17 knots off the coast of Sardinia. Burrasca draws 13 feet with her keel up, 32 feet with the keel down. Under power, she has a range of 4,350 miles at 13 knots. The first of a new series of sisterships, Burrasca was designed by Perini Navi in collaboration with Ron Holland. The second launch, Santa Maria, will be delivered this summer, and a third, already under construction, is available for delivery next summer. Perini Navi, (401) 683-5600; www.perininavi.it. -D.D.
Lürssen 377 Pelorus
It was a rather remarkable year for Lürssen. The magnificent 191-foot Capri (“Redefining Luxury,” March) was the smallest-by far-of the latest three yachts delivered by the German builder. Also splashing in 2003 were Octopus, a 414-foot behemoth, and the only slightly smaller Pelorus, shown here, which stretches to 377 feet. Pelorus was designed by Tim Heywood, with an interior by Terence Disdale. There are five decks devoted to guest accommodations, with an open top deck that in itself exceeds the length of many superyachts. Special features include bridge wings that extend past the hull beam, cruise ship-style, for ease of docking and close-quarters maneuvering, and a helipad at the bow that occupies only a fraction of the foredeck. Lürssen Werft, (011) 49 421 6604 166. www.lurssen.com. -D.D.
Christensen 155
Like most Christensen builds, this 155-foot trideck motoryacht started as a speculative project, but she was purchased about half-completed by the world’s current top-ranked golfer, Tiger Woods. There are six double guest staterooms and crew accommodations for nine. The yacht was finished with a traditional dark cherry interior and the intricate inlaid marble flooring for which Christensen is noted. While details of the interior, which Woods’ fiancée is planning, are being kept secret, the yacht carries the new Christensen styling and is expected to be fitted for Woods’ passions of scuba diving and fishing. Rumors suggest there may be a pool table aboard, too. Christensen Yachts, (360) 695-3238; www.christensenyachts.com. -Chris Caswell
Barcos Deportivos 143 Syl
Even from the Monaco quay, the touch of Germán Frers was evident in the details and overall design of Syl, a 143-foot fast-cruising sloop from the Spanish builder Barcos Deportivos. To ease operation, a number of innovative features have been built in. The anchoring gear is stowed below hatches forward, and even the mooring bitts rotate to present a flush rail under sail. A bimini top and its supporting stanchions fold into channels surrounding the cockpit, hiding under composite covers. A retractable and hydraulically operated centerboard reduces draft to just 61/2 feet when necessary. Security, navigation and main systems controls are integrated into two main stations: one on deck and one below. Barcos Deportivos. (011) 34 977 231165. www.barcosdeportivos.com. -D.D.
Amels 242 Ilona
After launching two smaller yachts, of 171 feet and 203 feet, on the same day in early 2003, Dutch builder Amels Holland turned its attention to Ilona, a 242-foot motoryacht. She was delivered in December. Her experienced owner, a four-time circumnavigator, wasted no time in heading south. The yacht averaged 16 knots, including transit through a Force 8 northwesterly gale, before making stops in Gibraltar and Cyprus, and a three-week New Year’s cruise to Israel. Ilona was designed by Redman Whiteley Dixon, with naval architecture by the Amels design team. The entire upper deck, spanning in excess of 100 feet, is dedicated to the owner’s suite. An elevator serves the five decks, and a heliport and hangar are on the afterdeck. Amels Holland. (011) 31 515 232525. www.amels-holland.com. -D.D.
Alloy Yachts 178 Tiara
The largest yacht ever built in New Zealand, this flying-bridge sailing vessel from Alloy Yachts is also the largest sloop capable of passing under the Panama Canal bridge. With a 208-foot carbon-fiber mast, Tiara‘s 27,000 square feet of sails are handled by a sophisticated sail handling system that includes stainless-steel vertical captive winches. The amidships owner’s suite includes an office, and one pair of the yacht’s four double guest cabins can be joined to create a massive VIP suite. The crew of 10 can spread out in six cabins. Designed by Ed Dubois and extensively tank-tested, Tiara has a centerboard that will reduce her draft from 24 feet to 17 feet. Alloy Yachts, (011) 64 9 838 7350; www.alloyyachts.co.nz. -C.C.
Trinity 142 Burna
New Orleans builder Trinity Yachts remains strong in the custom aluminum motoryacht market with several launches this year, including Chevy Toy and Burna, both 142 feet in length. Powered by Caterpillar 3512 diesels, Burna has a top speed of 21 knots. She carries 10 guests in five cabins. Interior design is by Dee Robinson Interiors, with décor by Mimi Fitz. While continuing to deliver all-aluminum yachts in the mid- to upper 100-foot range, Trinity Yachts is taking advantage of the shifting foreign-exchange rate to expand into the realm of steel-hull displacement yachts, a market historically dominated by European builders. Trinity’s current facilities enable it to build yachts up to 330 feet in length. Trinity Yachts, (504) 283-4050; www.trinityyachts.com. -D.D.
Heesen 144 Bilmar
In the past year, Dutch builder Heesen Yachts has launched a new logo, a new marketing office in Florida, a design for a series of 121-foot aluminum semi-custom yachts, and a building alliance with Lazzara Yachts. It also launched Bilmar, an ABS-class 144-foot custom motoryacht whose MTU 16V4000 engines will push her semi-displacement hull to 26 knots. The exterior was designed in collaboration with Omega Architects, and her interior is by Veta Tsoukala, who worked with the owner. Also launched by Heesen last year was Sweet Doll, a stunningly sleek motoryacht whose polychromatic hull finish was the talk of the Monaco Yacht Show. The yard has eight additional yachts under construction, ranging from 123 to 155 feet, and expects to launch three of them this year. Heesen Yachts, (561) 441-6131; www.heesenyachts.nl. -D.D.
McMullen & Wing 130 Mea Culpa
The newest launch from New Zealand’s McMullen & Wing is Mea Culpa, a 130-foot mega-sportfisherman intended to prowl the world in search of gamefish. Designed by Jack Sarin, the yacht is powered by a pair of 2,735 hp MTU 12V4000 diesels that give her a cruising speed in excess of 20 knots. She is finished in traditional mahogany and has a main-deck master suite, but Mea Culpa is also notable for an exceptionally comprehensive audiovisual package. Three guest cabins plus spacious crew quarters are on the lower deck; a skylounge opens to the boat deck; and the flying bridge has a spa. The electronics arch is actually a streamlined tower with a helm for spotting fish. McMullen & Wing, (011) 64 9 573 1405; www.mcmullenandwing.com. -C.C.
Crescent 119 Impetuous
My edition of Webster’s defines “Impetuous” as “marked by impulsive passion.” What better name for a yacht? Built by Crescent Custom Yachts, Impetuous is a 119-foot raised-pilothouse motoryacht constructed entirely of fiberglass. She was designed by naval architect Jack Sarin and the Crescent design team, with an interior by Robin M. Rose. In addition to four double staterooms, guests are provided with a dedicated exercise room. For water sports, Impetuous carries an 18-foot Nautica wide-body RIB. The yacht cruises at 17 knots and tops out at 21 knots, courtesy of a pair of MTU 16V2000 diesels drawing from fuel tanks totaling 7,000 gallons. Two 55kW Northern Lights generators power the electrical system. Crescent Custom Yachts, (604) 301-3900; www.crescentcustomyachts.com. -D.D.
Shipworks 144
Recently launched from the new Shipworks facility near Brisbane, Australia, is a striking 144-foot aluminum motoryacht designed for long-range cruising. Built to ABS class and MCA-compliant, she has a unique and highly detailed interior by Bernie Cohen Design, which is also responsible for the exterior lines. The yacht includes a spectacular main-deck owner’s suite with panoramic wraparound windows, an enclosed formal dining saloon, an all-stainless-steel galley, and a private sundeck with spa. With accommodations for 10 plus a crew of seven, the yacht has a cruising range of 5,600 miles at 10 knots with a top speed of 16 knots, according to Shipworks. Shipworks, (011) 61 7 3893 6911; www.shipworksbrisbane.com. -C.C.
Oceanfast 177 Perfect Prescription
Perfect Prescription, the second Oceanfast yacht for the same owner, was delivered just four months after the Australian yard handed over the 228-foot Aussie Rules to golfer Greg Norman. With a length of 177 feet and a draft of 9 feet, Perfect Prescription allows her guests to enjoy most of the world’s waters. Designed by Tim Heywood with naval architecture by Oceanfast, the yacht has a top speed of 17.5 knots. The interior, finished largely in bird’s-eye maple, includes a spa and two theaters. Hull construction is steel, with an aluminum superstructure and composite top deck. Three additional yachts are under construction at Oceanfast, with an order book that will keep the yard busy through 2005. Oceanfast, (954) 522-5353; www.oceanfast.com.au. -D.D.
Feadship 126 Katrion
At 126 feet, Katrion is at the smaller end of Dutch builder De Vries’ recent deliveries, but she’s every inch a Feadship. Designed by De Voogt Naval Architects, with an interior by Michael McQuiston/Artline, she has a full-displacement steel hull and an aluminum superstructure. The owner’s suite includes a private breakfast room, with a sliding door to the owner’s stateroom and main foyer. Katrion can also carry up to eight guests: two in a queen-berth VIP stateroom and three in each of the two guest cabins, which have twin berths and a Pullman. Top speed is 13.5 knots, and range at 10.5 knots is 3,000 miles with a pair of Caterpillar 3412s, according to the builder. Feadship, (954) 761-1830. www.feadship.nl. -D.D.
For more information on any of these boats, contact: (866) 922-4877; www.yachtingnet.com/yachting/productinfo.
