With the Audi R8 fueled and ready for the drive to the East Coast launch event courtesy of Burton Waters Boat Sales and Fairline yachts, my arrival was greeted by gleaming yachts and warm sunshine. The maritime event held at Neptune Quay Ipswich was hugely busy as I weaved my way through the crowds to the parking area. Burton Waters Boat Sales had really pulled out all the stops, with an impressive array of Fairline yachts on display and all for sale, both in and out of the water.

Outside the lounge and office area were local supercar dealers for Ferrai, Masaraiti and Bentley for sale by Jardine Motors. Canapes, Champagne and a very warm welcome greeted my arrival and it wasn’t long before my tour guide Ed was on hand to show me around the magnificent yachts on show. The boats ready for me to look over were the 38 Open, 62GT, 78 Custom and the 48GT with IPS Drives.

38 Open

The 38 Open was a delight, adjustable tail lift and easy entry were the first noticeable features, together with of course, an open roof – ideal for not only the taller sailor, but also for that all round open air experience. Craftsmanship was evident everywhere, and so was the light and airy feel to the vessel.

This particular spec boat had beige canvas embossed waterproof seats which contrasted very well with the white superstructure and chocolate brown helm. Quality was in evidence everywhere here together with the Garmin powered navigational displays and equipment.

     

Designers have really focused on blurring one living space into the next, making each area feel a lot bigger. To compliment this as previously mentioned, softer, brighter materials have been used, finished with detail piping and hand stitching to create a luxurious environment.

Below was a snug cabin and seating areas which housed a bedroom, WC, galley area, digital control center and waterline portholes with a view out onto the ocean. The illuminated Fairline badge was a neat touch. There’s ample accommodation for a large group of day-trippers and it sleeps up to 7 with ease. Below, the large forward cabin enjoys natural light from the twin portholes and deck hatch and the guest cabin defies the norm with generous headspace above its twin berths. Seemingly impossible on a boat this size, an optional sofa bed converts into a third berth.

 

The Targa 38 benefits from a world renowned Bernard Olesinski designed hull with superb engine dynamics from the latest generation of Volvo outdrives. With four different engine options, ranging from the D4-260 to the unbelievably quick D6-400, you can be assured that a whole range of emotions are well and truly catered for.

Quick spec:

1. Length overall (inc. pulpit): 39ft 10in (12.13m)
2. Length overall (inc. pulpit): 40ft 9in (12.43m) with submersible platform
3. Length overall (ex. pulpit): 38ft 1in (11.61m)
4. Beam (inc. gunwale): 11ft 11in (3.64m)
5. Number of berths: 4 – 7
6. Draught: 3ft 4in (1.02m) unloaded
7. Height above waterline (inc. arch + nav. light mast): 13ft 2in (4.01m)
8. Transport height: 11ft 10in (3.61m)
9. Dry weight (approx.): 7.57 tons (7,687kg)
10. Fuel capacity: 140 gals/168 US gals (636L)
11. Water capacity (inc. calorifier): 65 gals/78 US gals (296L)

Engines and Performance

Engine recommendations (twin): from 520mhp to 800mhp

1. 2 x Volvo Penta D4-260 EVC Stern Diesel 260mhp each: 33 knots
2. 2 x Volvo Penta D4-300 EVC Stern Diesel 300mhp each: 37 knots
3. 2 x Volvo Penta D6-370 EVC Stern Diesel 370mhp each: 42 knots

1.  Manual canopy or electric canvas roof variants
2.  Double master forward cabin with en suite and separate shower compartment
3.  Sofa convertible to third berth to guest cabin option
4.  Fold-out teak table with sunpad conversion to cockpit option
5.  Submersible bathing platform option
6.  Volvo joystick and bow thruster options

 Targa 62GT

A step up next, and the very sleek 62GT. A much bigger craft, but still featuring the tail lift and design features carried over from the 38.

This was a powerful looking sports cruiser with striking good looks. The real attraction was its large, open cockpit that features a J-shaped seating and dining area sitting ahead of a luxuriously large sunpad. Pop up TV, spacious living and dining areas and a very spacious bathroom and bedroom were key features of this handsome craft.

The twin V8 Diesels were a joy to look at, pristine white paintwork in a spacious engine bay, easily accessible by deck hatch and ladder.

The cockpit is a pure entertainment area. Take a seat or stretch out on the sumptuous sunpad, while taking full advantage of the fully-equipped bar and barbecue. Discreetly housed underneath the sunpad is an integral garage that provides the perfect home for a Williams 325 Jet RIB. Or, if you prefer, this space can be fitted out as a crew cabin.

Moving through this sociable boat you will find a generously proportioned indoor seating area where you can simply open the retractable hardtop roof and direct the large side windows to gently drop down to create a wonderful alfresco environment, with the perfectly appointed galley being very much part of this enjoyable space.

Below, you will find the stunning full-width master cabin and beautifully presented en suite. More akin to a boutique hotel room, they are both spacious and inviting. Each guest cabin also converts to a double and wherever you find yourself on the boat, when the going gets hot, you can all enjoy the refreshing benefits of chilled water air conditioning.

 

Quick spec

1. Length overall (inc. pulpit): 63ft 7in (19.38m)
2. Length overall (ex. pulpit): 62ft 7in (19.08m)
3. Beam (inc. gunwale): 16ft 6in (5.03m)
4. Number of berths: 6 – 7
5. Draught: 4ft 3in (1.31m) unloaded
6. Height above waterline (inc. arch + nav. light mast): 17ft 3in (5.25m)
7. Transport height: 16ft 3in (4.95m)
8. Dry weight (approx.): 27.41 tons (27,850kg)
9. Fuel capacity: 563 gals/676 US gals (2,558L)
10. Water capacity (inc. calorifier): 158 gals/190 US gals (718L)

Engines and Performance

Engine recommendations (twin): from 1,600mhp to 2,400mhp

1. 2 x Volvo Penta D13-800 EVC Shaft Diesel 800mhp each: 29 knots
2. 2 x Volvo Penta D13-900 EVC Shaft Diesel 900mhp each: 32 knots
3. 2 x MAN V8 1200 Shaft Diesel 1,200mhp each: 38 knots

1. Electric retractable glazed roof with one-touch operation and pneumatic seal
2. Stunning full-beam master cabin with en suite and separate shower
3. Port and starboard mid-ship guest cabins (port with double bed conversion)
4. Panoramic power-drop windows to saloon option
5. Full-height fridge/freezer
6. Utility area to lobby
7. Large rear sunpad
8. Cockpit bar with BBQ
9. Garage for Williams 325 Jet RIB or optional crew cabin with full-width transom glazing
10. Submersible bathing platform
11. Chilled-water air conditioning option

The 48GT

More luxury to follow with the Volvo Penta IPS engined 48GT. This particular model had glorious gloss laminate dark woodwork and really did typify that luxury cruising experience.

  

This boat offers you a truly wonderful open-to-the-skies experience, where you can choose to invite in the warmth and sociability of your environment, with one elegant sweep of your electric hardtop.

Look beyond the exciting, sun-appreciating nature of this sports cruiser and you will find new technologies and exceptional engineering. The hull, for instance, has been specifically designed to compliment the Volvo Penta IPS engines, resulting in even more precise handling, along with impeccable sea keeping.  Taking the hardtop in question, it comes with paneled glazing as standard for that ‘open, even when closed’ sensation.

Moving through the boat you’ll find a luxuriously spacious, sociable upper deck that offers plentiful seating, in addition to a well-appointed helm station with twin seats. The cockpit features a J-shaped seating area with a table, and can offer the option of a sunbed conversion. The lower deck has three cabins as  standard and there is an optional lower saloon/dinette in lieu of the third cabin layout. Perfectly formed, perfectly thought-through. Everything you come to expect from a Fairline.

 

As my guide Ed explained, the whole craft was bought into the quay and moored using the IPS pod drive system, and using the fingertip control joystick. This proves invaluable when maneuvering in tight spaces and provides precise ease of control.

Quick Sp​ec

1. Length overall (inc. pulpit): 50ft 9in (15.46m)
2. Beam (inc. gunwale): 14ft 2in (4.32m)
3. Number of berths: 4-7
4. Draught: 3ft 10in (1.18m) unloaded
5. Height above waterline (inc. arch + nav. light mast): 14ft 11in (4.55m)
6. Transport height: 15ft 10in (4.83m)
7. Dry weight (approx.): 13.28 tons (13,500kg)
8. Fuel capacity: 288 gals/346 US gals (1,308L)
9. Water capacity (inc. calorifier): 106 gals/127 US gals (480L)

Engines and Performance

Engine recommendation (twin): 870 mhp

1. 2 x Volvo Penta IPS600 D6-435 Diesel 435 mhp each: 30 knots

1. Electric retractable glazed roof with one-touch operation and pneumatic seal
2. Enclosed fully-furnished upper saloon
3. Large mid-master cabin with en suite and separate shower compartment
4. Sofa convertible to third berth to master cabin option
5. L-shaped seating area opposite helm
6. Third cabin in lieu of lower saloon option
7. Opening windows to saloon
8. Scissor action twin/double bed(s) to forward cabin
9. Full-height fridge/freezer
10. Spacious cockpit seating with optional bar
11. Volvo Penta IPS engines
12. Submersible bathing platform option

 

Squadron 78 CUSTOM

The large and well-proven Squadron 78 CUSTOM is equipped for relaxing and entertaining on a grand scale. The huge and commanding flybridge gives the first clue to this remarkable yacht’s sociable intentions.

Large, spacious entertaining areas are in evidence throughout the Squadron 78, from the extensive saloon and upper deck areas, through to the private staterooms, where light and space are combined to stunning effect. All are created using only the very finest materials, including exotic woods, hand-selected granite work surfaces and state-of-the-art design features.

Flexibility

The layout options are extensive and are a match for even the most creative brief. A consultant from our Yacht Division can advise on 3 or 4 cabin layouts, numerous bathroom and galley configurations, separate walk-in wardrobes and the potential to extend the owner’s suite.

Higher standards

Grand private staterooms combine light and space to stunning effect and as you move through the large, spacious entertaining areas you start to appreciate the wealth of well-considered features. In fact, it boasts the most extensive list of standard equipment of any yacht in its sector.

All round excellence

The elegant floating seat rests surround the large teak feature table, where ‘secret’ lights in the table itself create a discreet, romantic ambience. Poise and sophistication also reveal themselves while under way – the design places heavy items (fuel, for instance) over the center of buoyancy, which gives it renowned sea-keeping properties, a pleasant sound and low vibration throughout.

 

Quick Spec

1. Length overall (inc. pulpit): 79ft 11in (24.37m)
2. Length overall (ex. pulpit): 78ft 2in (23.82m)
3. Beam (inc. gunwale): 18ft 8in (5.70m)
4. Number of berths: 6 – 13
5. Draught: 5ft 3in (1.61m) unloaded
6. Height above waterline (inc. arch + nav. light mast): 25ft 4in (7.72m)
7. Transport height: 18ft 5in (5.61m)
8. Dry weight (approx.): 45.52 tons (46,250kg)
9. Fuel capacity: 1,296 gals/1,557 US gals (5,892L)
10. Water capacity (inc. calorifier): 251 gals/301 US gals (1,140L)

Engines and Performance

Engine recommendations (twin): from 2,720mhp to 3,244mhp

1. 2 x MAN 1360 CRM Shaft Diesel 1,360mhp each:   33 knots
2. 2 x Caterpillar C32-1622 Shaft Diesel 1,622mhp each:  35 knots

1. High level of customisation
2. Spacious flybridge with bar, icemaker, fridge and BBQ, forward lounging area with teak table and large dining table with seating
3. Flybridge crane and Jet ski
4. Choice of three or four cabin layouts with multiple bathroom and galley configurations
5. Dining room with free-standing table and chairs opposite a highly specified galley
6. Master cabin with dressing room and en suite shower room or whirlpool bath option
7. VIP guest cabin forward with overhead glazing
8. Flush transom with integrated gull-wing door opening to self-contained crew cabin available in multiple configurations
9. Twin generators and chilled-water air conditioning system
10. Stainless steel anchor and chain
11. Optional stabilisers and hard top with powered canvas opening or powered bimini
12. Large submersible bathing platform with Williams 325 Jet RIB
13. Twin touchscreen radar and GPS navigation displays to both helms
14. Centralised vacuum cleaning system and washer/dryer
15. Twin Glendinning Cablemaster system
16. Dedicated Fairline Yacht Specialist to assist with all your customisation requirements

So a big thank you to Beki, Ed and Holly for organising my day, and for your warm hospitality. You really put on a fantastic show and I look forward to seeing you all again soon!

http://www.burtonwaters.co.uk/

Email: sales@burtonwaters.co.uk

Ipswich Tel: 01473 225 710

Lincoln Tel: 01522 567 404

http://www.fairline.com/en/

Here are some further images supplied by Ed of the boats at night showing off their wow factor lighting!

 

If you would like to feature your business with us email James at: luxurynewsonline@gmail.com