In about a month’s time, hull number one of the CL Yachts CLX96 series hits the water. The project, a blend of workboat and yachting design, represents “a bold challenge of the status quo in its category,” says Martin Lo, the shipyard’s director.
Nicknamed by the yard as an SAV, or Sea Activity Vessel, the design is what many would call a crossover. The rugged styling conveys an air of serious cruising. Note especially the reverse-angle deckhouse. This tried-and-true design reduces glare, heat, and (though not a typical encounter for yachts) visibility interference from big waves. The plumb bow enhances performance as well as interior accommodations. For the softer side of things, the CLX96 has a foredeck seating and sunning area, a.k.a. the “Piazza del Sole.” Yet another sunning area occupies the “Terraza Portoghese,” or Portuguese terrace, forward of the skylounge. Designer Jozeph Forakis and Alfaro Design contributed to the styling and naval architecture, respectively. Structural engineering, meanwhile, comes from Albert Horsmon of Horsmon & Associates Marine Consultants.
While the CLX96 has features cruisers have come to expect, such as four staterooms and a beach club with a submerging swim platform, the megayacht still packs surprises. For instance, a skylight brightens the master suite. A virtual skylight does the same for the VIP. In fact, it’s a video screen directly above the king-size bed, displaying a live feed from a camera on deck. A further surprise is the indoor-outdoor ambience. Bi-fold doors characterize the main deck, while the sky lounge has sliding-open glass on three sides. The latter transforms the alfresco dining area into a larger overall outdoor lounge. It complements the overall anything-but-flashy decor and the rest of the interior design, which includes a bar with seats in the galley.
The megayacht, which should top out at 27 knots with Caterpillar power, makes her global debut at the upcoming Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, this October.
Alfaro Design floridayachtdesigner.com
CL Yachts clyachts.com
Jozeph Forakis Design forakis.com
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