Italy-based Maxi Dolphin may construct custom power and sailing yachts alike, but it’s the latter that get a lot of attention. The first yachts launched from the shipyard were all sail-oriented, after all, with powered craft coming 20 years after its founding in 1987. Furthermore, Maxi Dolphin’s collaboration with Bruce Farr, Germán Frers, Luca Brenta, Bill Tripp, and more has led to some real sailing performers. Maxi Dolphin expects the same results from the new MD90, a 27-meter (89-footer).
Interesting enough, the project was borne from a request from brokerage house Ocean Independence. The firm first approached Harry Miesbauer, managing director at the eponymous design studio. The request: a yacht capable of high speeds for both racing and covering long cruising legs. Ocean Independence and Miesbauer selected Maxi Dolphin as the builder, given its experience with maxi yachts and other racers.
To be built of carbon fiber and composite, the MD90 should displace just 46 tons, making her lighter weight than similar-sized craft. (Indeed, some sailing yachts in the 80-foot size range share that displacement.) A crew of just four should be capable of handling her during leisurely cruises. Miesbauer and Maxi Dolphin envision the eventual owner—the project is for sale—to want to cruise both the Med and the Caribbean. Therefore, the yacht will have transatlantic capabilities, plus be capable of average daily runs exceeding 300 miles. For racing, the rig will be IRC optimized. Total sail area: approximately 450 square meters (about 4,844 square feet).
The interior accommodations will, of course, be open to owner input. Miesbauer’s current design calls for crew to be accommodated in two cabins. Two unusual but welcome elements for them: two separate heads and showers, plus their own mess. Creativity in layout, plus the semi-raised saloon concept, allows for this. Indeed, the MD90 profile belies the interior volume. There’s also a master stateroom and three double guest staterooms, plus the saloon and dining area (shown).
Ocean Independence holds the central listing for the yacht, at € 7.375 million (approximately $10.6 million).
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