As part of its increasing focus on the megayacht market, Shama Yachts began construction on its new flagship, the 135 Raised Pilot House (RPH) model. As the name suggests, the LOA is 135 feet (41 meters).
Shama Yachts is the largest privately owned and managed fiberglass yacht builder in Egypt. Specifically, its 10,000-square-meter (108,000-square-foot) facility is in 6th October City, just outside of Cairo. Founded in 1996, it originally designed and built production boats in the 40- to 50-foot range. Gradually, it turned its focus to the 100-foot-plus market. Just last year, it signed a contract for a 115-foot raised-pilothouse design, which is also under construction. Overall, clients have come from the Middle East as well as Europe and the United States.
As for the 135 RPH, exterior and interior design is from Shama Yachts’ own team. With accommodations for 10 guests plus the owners, the yacht has many customary features, such as a full-beam (24’7”, or 7.65 meters) VIP stateroom on the lower deck and a main-deck master suite. A sunroof that retracts into the radar arch increases sunning space on the teak-laid flying bridge, where you’ll also find a wetbar and barstools, a grill, and seating options, plus an extra helm station. The tender garage takes care of toys, while the swim platform is fitted with a handy shower and retractable swim ladder. Accommodations for the captain and six crewmembers are below decks.
Given the approximate 5’1” (1.55-meter) draft, the 135 RPH should enjoy some skinny-water cruising if so desired. Speedy spins around the islands could also be on order, thanks to an anticipated top speed of 24 knots (light load) coming from twin 2,600-hp diesels. Shama Yachts doesn’t specify an engine manufacturer, though it does say that twin 2,000- and 2,400-hp engines are also available.
Launch is expected in December 2012.
ROBERT HUNT III
NOT MY TYPE OF YACHT.