If you like sport yachts for their speeds as much as their sleek style, you have something in common with a Hong Kong yacht buyer. Numarine is welcoming him as the owner of hull number one of its 78HTS series, set for a 37-knot top end. Despite where he hails from, he’ll keep the yacht in the United States.
The 78’7” (23.98-meter) 78HTS is based on a same-size megayacht that brought strong business to the Turkish builder. That megayacht was the 78 HT, with “HT” signifying “Hardtop.” As for the current model, the “S” means the yacht has a sporty flying bridge. While not a dramatic change, since the series was successful, it’s enough of a difference that Numarine felt would matter to new buyers.
As for that flying bridge (below), it’s a cozy spot to soak up the sun, and for the captain to push the Numarine 78HTS to spirited speeds. Besides the above-mentioned top speed, hull number one should see a 27-knot cruise. These come from the optional twin 1,550-hp MAN engines. (The standard 1,200-hp MANs lower the speed slightly.)
Just four passengers can stretch out on the flying bridge’s sun lounges, so other guests have aft-deck and bow sunpads to enjoy. At the bow, they can also enjoy a more social atmosphere thanks to the settee tucked into the foredeck.
So far, Numarine is revealing limited details on the general arrangement. It does say all four staterooms are below decks, as is the galley, which doubles as the crew mess. The main deck therefore devotes space to drinks and dinners, with a bar, C-shape settee, and formal dining area. The shipyard also says the Numarine 78HTS owner’s suite has a “unique design,” and that plentiful customized touches are throughout the yacht. It plans to unveil more after launch next summer. Those touches could include the hull color. Numarine has several drawings showing bold tones, including tangerine.
In the meantime, the 78HTS does have one more feature not found on her predecessor. It’s a lithium-ion battery pack, to take on the so-called hotel loads while at anchor. It’s combined with an energy-management system, to balance loads. Numarine says the genset therefore need only run for short periods during the day to charge. It also needs just a quick charge before taking on overnight loads. Besides saving fuel and costs, the system should also be quiet. In fact, Numarine anticipates the 78HTS having sound levels of just 66 decibels below decks while cruising. Considering 60 decibels is the level of normal conversation, that’s comfortable for guests and the two crew alike.
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