ALL PHOTOS: Marc Paris and Suki Finnerty
When Hargrave Custom Yachts decided to build a handful of new yacht and megayacht models on spec for this year, including the Hargrave 114, it knew it was taking a risk. But, based on the builder’s experience at major yacht shows over the past year or so, Michael Joyce, Hargrave’s CEO, says it would have been a mistake not to take that direction. In fact, Joyce says several people inquired what was new and available for purchase.
Of course, simply building a new yacht isn’t good enough. Hargrave analyzed what was selling among competitors, and how it could meet or exceed those parameters. The result is the 114 Raised Pilothouse, with a 24-foot beam, a hull designed by the renowned naval architect Jack Sarin, and, equally important, a sale that concluded after the Fort Lauderdale boat show.
Christened Donna Marie II, the Hargrave 114 Raised Pilothouse is said to achieve a maximum speed of 25 knots and a cruise speed of 20 knots. Not only are those speeds in line with similar-size megayachts from other builders, but they also handily beat the performance of Hargraves from recent years, by nearly 10 knots. Sarin designed the hull for a softer ride and to accommodate the new 1,900-hp Caterpillar C32 ACERT diesels.
To reinvent the proverbial wheel in terms of the megayacht’s general arrangement wouldn’t have made sense, of course. That’s why you’ll still find a country kitchen aboard Donna Marie II. The island-prep area and countertops, lined with granite, should provide plentiful space to stage platters, and even instruct guests at the dining table and banquette in the latest culinary techniques. Note the cabinets above the table—they’re deep enough for large trays.
Satin-finished cherrywood, with some contrasting wood panels, is used throughout the 114, selected by Shelley DiCondina of Yacht Interiors by Shelley for its classic appeal yet also its ability to stand up to modern adornments. Since entertaining is a key part of any megayacht ownership experience, the saloon has a bar (not shown) aft to starboard, by the doors leading from the covered aft deck. Bookmatched cabinet doors conceal it when the party’s over. Further concealed are the air-conditioning vents, placed in the overhead molding.
Look closely at the port side of the dining area, and you’ll see a frosted-glass effect, accented by curved wood designs. It’s actually a china cabinet. White and red wine coolers are tucked into the buffet fully forward, and a stew’s locker is just around the corner to port. They’re subtle touches that make the crew’s job easier come mealtime.
Speaking of making the crew’s job easier, Hargrave incorporated a handful of requested features in the megayacht’s raised pilothouse. Captains wanted more storage, for example. So, a fax/copier area sits behind the cabinets to port. Plus, the top of the cabinet lifts and folds, making for quicker access. In addition, adjacent to the port-side pedestal chair, there’s a pull-out desktop. The chair pivots to face it, too.
This guest stateroom, just shy of a true king, has the same frosted-glass and wood design as the dining area. Three guest staterooms in all are aboard the megayacht, none with twin berths. The master stateroom (at top), meanwhile, is also below decks, due to the Hargrave 114 having a country kitchen. However, the location clearly wasn’t a problem for the buyers. It shouldn’t be a problem for megayacht buyers wanting a similar model, either. It’s full beam and has both his and her walk-in closets and his and her heads.
Because Hargrave extended the 114’s flying bridge, it reportedly offers 30 percent more usable space than competitors’ offerings. A fixed crane runs athwartships aft, and when the tender is offloaded, sunlounges can be set up. Extra sunning space is forward, with a bar and dining space for 10 beneath the shade of the hardtop. Triple pedestal seats fully forward at the extra helm let captains-in-waiting learn the Rules of the Road.
Walkaround decks, and even a cockpit set up for fishing, make the Hargrave 114 further noteworthy. Hargrave Custom Yachts took a gamble when it built this megayacht on spec, and it paid off. Perhaps we’ll see some of its competitors taking a second look and stepping up their game in return.
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