“Casual luxury” is not a contradiction in terms. Neither, for that matter, is “environmentally friendly yacht.” Cecilia, the Wider 165, brings these two concepts together cohesively, without one ever impacting the other.
In some ways, Cecilia is similar to Bartali, the Wider 150 which premiered in 2016. For instance, they each have a beach club with three fold-down platforms. Both also have tender bays in the beach club that get covered to expand the lounging space. Furthermore, full-height glass and sliding glass on the main (see below) and upper decks literally and figuratively opens up the atmosphere.
Some things, of course, are different. Cecilia takes space utilization up a notch. Guest staterooms are larger, thanks to the bow (yes, bow) engine room—whose equipment is unusual, too, as you’ll soon learn. The master suite (top) offers a lounge/office that looks and feels far more comfortable and inviting than most. In fact, the offices in most masters are tucked to starboard, between the entry and the bedroom, treated like an afterthought or a “squeeze it in” feature. A small settee opposite the bed serves as the “lounge.” Aboard Cecilia, Ideaeitalia and the owner’s designer thoughtfully arranged the suite with distinct zones. They can flow into each other, or be completely separate via pocket doors.
As beach-chic-casual as Cecilia is, her decor is not the only story. Rather, her hybrid propulsion system is just as important. Four variable-speed MAN gensets, a battery bank, and azipods take care of propulsion. This setup provides flexibility. The gensets alone allow a reported 3,100-nautical-mile range at a 13-knot cruise. Range reportedly increases to 5,400 nautical miles at 10 knots, too. Alternately, Cecilia’s batteries can operate her, in zero-emission (and near-silent) mode, at 5 knots for up to six hours. Battery mode is especially helpful for maneuvering in and out of harbors, quietly—and in sensitive eco systems. All the equipment is in the bow because the azipods employ electric cables, not traditional shafts.
Furthermore, the gensets and batteries also handle all the hotel loads. Cecilia can rely solely on the battery bank overnight. Or, she can do so at anchor for the afternoon, while the guests go off on the watertoys (including a personal sub). Even with the gensets engaged, sound levels stay low. Wider measured 38 decibels in the owner’s suite with one genset running and 45 decibels with the yacht underway. All of these garnered Cecilia both RINA’s Comfort Class and Green Plus Platinum notations. Come nighttime, the gensets and batteries help kick up the fun factor: Cecilia has outlets for DJ equipment on her foredeck touch-and-go helipad.
This video provides an even better sense of life aboard Cecilia. As you watch, note more than just the luxury space. Note, too, the movable nature of the wheelhouse dashboard. Similar to that on Bartali, the Wider 150, it’s a shape-shifting helm. https://megayachtnews.com/2016/01/team-italia-wider-150-megayacht-helm/ The idea is to provide the captain with flexibility and convenience, especially when mooring or entering a marina.
Leave a Reply