With several shipyards switching attention to the super-size superyacht market, there’s a mistaken notion in some circles that the 328-foot-plus (100-meter-plus) market is the only one growing. On the contrary, the entry-level megayacht market is gaining strength, too. Just ask Christophe Kloeckner, president and CEO of Couach. Kloeckner says clients have been asking for a megayacht model in the mid-80-foot (24-meter) range for a while. The Couach 2600 Fly, measuring 86’9” (26.5 meters) and with a beam of 20’7” (6.3 meters), is the response.
The Couach 2600 Fly marks the French shipyard’s first offering in this size range, which makes the reported 14-month time from concept to completion all the more noteworthy. Kloeckner explains that the idea started in house, with a client coming into the process while the 2600 Fly was still in the development stage. He adds that the client contributed a good deal, something typical of Couach buyers.
Something specific the owner of the first Couach 2600 Fly, christened Ocram Dos, requested is the soft top on the megayacht’s flying bridge. You can see it at the upper right in this photo, which also showcases the handful of relaxation and dining spaces on the flying bridge. Something else the owner specified is the space between the dining and seating areas to port and the bar opposite (just visible). Kloeckner says Couach is happy to have this type of customer input; after all, the owner uses the boat and therefore knows best how traffic can and will flow.
The owner of Ocram Dos was so involved in the megayacht’s build, in fact, that he visited the yard every three to four weeks, Kloeckner adds. The client was familiar with Couach’s work on La Pellegrina, the first Couach 5000 Fly, and wanted the same standard of finish and a similar layout. That’s one of the reasons why the combination saloon and dining area are light and bright.
Take a look to port and starboard at the full-length curtains, and you’ll see opening doors to Ocram Dos’ side decks. This is one of those large-megayacht features that is just starting to trickle down into the smaller size ranges. Even with the doors closed, the effect brings the outside in, sure to be appreciated when the 2600 Fly is at anchor.
All four staterooms, including the master, are below decks aboard the Couach 2600 Fly. Note the stairs here in the owner’s stateroom. They’re part of the private entry to the cabin, from a spot on the main deck just forward of the dining area and opposite the galley (which is a bit small, but in a practical location). The owner previously had a sportfisherman, which may explain the casual approach. Other owners may not want the steps to be visible, of course; remember that Couach customizes interiors around buyers’ wishes.
This guest stateroom is fully forward below decks. The owner of Ocram Dos requested an additional twin stateroom and double stateroom, situated just aft. All three of these guest staterooms are accessible via stairs in the wheelhouse.
Here’s more of Ocram Dos, built by a yard whose reputation for performance and standing up to sloppy seas helped convince the owner to commission her. The megayacht is capable of a reported 32-knot top end, with power coming from twin 1,800-hp MANs. (A few engine options from 1,200 to 1,900 hp are also available.)
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