When word first came of the construction of Safira at Newcastle Marine, the megayacht project made headlines for being intended for environmentally friendly expeditions. Designed by Sparkman & Stephens and Murray & Associates, and available for charter through the central agency of Burgess, Safira comes from the imagination of owners who wanted to leave as small a carbon footprint as possible. In fact, Safira is arguably the most eco-minded megayacht afloat.
At 129 feet (39.3 meters), Safira is far smaller than most of the megayachts touting eco-friendly systems or designations, the latter including Lloyd’s Register Green Passport and RINA Green Star. Safira also boasts something they do not: LEED Platinum status. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a voluntary, third-party designation of adhering to “green” building practices. “Building” is also a key word in that definition: It nearly exclusively applies to commercial offices/shops and residences. Platinum is the highest level of LEED certification, reflecting compliance with the largest number of environmentally friendly materials and practices. Items that led to Safira receiving LEED Platinum status include using Esthec synthetic decking versus teak; Dynamic Positioning; tanks for biofuel as well as diesel; 660-hp Caterpillar engines that can run on a mix of 15-percent biodiesel and diesel; and Schottel azipods that reduce fuel consumption by 20 percent compared to traditional shaft drives.
We requested commentary from the owners about what led them to specify such extensive environmentally oriented features for their megayacht, but as of press time we did not receive an answer. Regardless, you can imagine Safira will seek adventures in pristine, remote locales worldwide. Safira’s steel hull is strengthened for navigating in ice, for example. The ABS-classed and MCA-compliant megayacht also has a reported 8,000-nautical-mile range at 8½ knots. (Top speed is just shy of 13 knots, and cruise speed is 10½ knots.) Draft is just over 10 feet (3.1 meters).
With destinations ranging from Iceland to the South Pacific on Safira’s itinerary, the owners’ party of 10 can expect a flotilla of toys at their disposal for further explorations. A handful of kayaks, two paddleboards, and a sailing dinghy are aboard Safira, as is a replica of a Hereshoff 12½, a famed sailboat design that ceased production in 1943. Safira further totes a Doughdish sailing dinghy, a design borne out of the Hereshoff 12½, plus a Hunt Harrier 25 powerboat capable of 30 knots while burning just 9 gph. With all of these onboard, there’s little doubt Safira is meant for outdoor enjoyment, not staying inside.
Even with that philosophy, Safira has quite a formal interior decor, created by South Carolina-based Michael David & Associates in keeping with what the owners wished. From the bar- and table-games-equipped skylounge (above) to the rococo saloon and dining area (directly above), there are rich fabrics, colors, and textures. All staterooms, including the master suite, are below decks. The master is amidships, the most comfortable position in swells. The 28-foot (8.5-meter) beam is put to good use, as are spaces including a gym and a hot tub-equipped sundeck.
Safira is available for charter this summer in New England for $119,000 during low season and $140,000 during high season. She’s also available for sale for $32 million through Burgess’ central agency.
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David J. Matyczynski
I like what I have read and seen about this mega yacht….I would have preferred an accommodations for 16 instead of 12 (party of 10 plus owner)…full luxury would also include an installed pool which would double for a lap pool… outside of that the ship is amazing…even without what my “wish list” of features would entail…