British luxury boat manufacturer, Fairline, premieres its new Targa 53GT express cruiser to the world, and James from Luxury News Online was lucky enough to test her out on the sparkling blue waters of the Italian Riviera.

By James Phillips 17th July 2016

All images taken by James or supplied by ADPR

With the re-emergence of Fairline after the famous UK boat builder’s new investors gave the company a new future, we can now all look forward to some beautiful new boats coming to the market, and one of these is the new Targa 53GT which is also an entirely new concept, that sets a new standard in choice and personalisation.

Flying into Nice with a driver waiting to collect me and my fellow journalists, we had a short drive past Monaco and Menton, across the border into Italy to the 5 star Royal Hotel Sanremo with views out over the ocean where we would be powering up the engines of the Targa 53GT.

The stretch of water where we would be testing out the Targa 53GT from my hotel window

We were joined by Head of Marketing at Fairline, Miles Moorhouse, Head of Design Andrew Pope and Zak Hillard from PR agency ADPR. Also we were very lucky to have the renowned Italian SuperYacht designer, Alberto Mancini from AM Yacht Design.

SuperYacht designer Alberto Mancini and James Phillips from Luxury News Online 

During our evening meal at Glam Restaurant Sanremo we looked forward to our day on board the 53GT in the morning.

The new day dawned hot and sunny, the sea’s had calmed from the windy conditions the day before and we were driven to the marina in Sanremo and there waiting for us was the new Fairline 53GT.

Meeting the crew and representatives from Fairline Italy, we had a tour of this luxurious craft. Hand crafted to order by Fairline’s highly experienced and dedicated British craftsmen, the Targa 53GT allows customers to design and purchase something that is truly their boat.

James Phillips from Luxury News Online with the 53GT

Recognised for nearly 50 years as guardians of British ingenuity and engineering of the ‘Boater’s Boat’, Fairline has attended to every detail – from the unrivalled performance, proven sea-keeping, and the exceptional quality of every aspect of on board space, facilities and features. The Targa 53GT redefines the 50 foot boating experience, providing outstanding quality in design and performance for the uncompromising end-user.

Head of Design at Fairline, Andrew Pope, said, “The Targa 53GT represents a dramatic step forward in motorboat design, using the Fairline design DNA to create a model that perfectly blends form and function. The use of smart design principles allows owners to truly personalise their boat. When choosing the Targa 53GT, the owner will receive unrivalled flexibility in layout and complete confidence in its construction and features.”

As the sun glinted off the Mediterranean waters of the marina, the engines started, the ropes were slipped, and we began to manoeuvre our way out onto the open ocean. The ease at which the boat started, and manoeuvred and then pulled away was effortless, and we all soon relaxed on the sun deck, the open roof retracted, and then she was bought up to speed as we made our way to our destination of a small beach along the coast. This boat really is ideal for that luxury get away, where you can really say you are ‘living the dream’ with your friends or family.

The Targa 53GT is immediately distinctive thanks to its exterior styling and shows an evolution from the time proven Targa lineage, incorporating the distinctive deck window profile with signature Fairline spear. Continuing the Fairline tradition of timeless design, the Targa 53GT incorporates a beautifully tapered hull glazing that emphasises the new model’s dynamic character. The boat’s classic swept stern shape integrates the hull lines, creating a functional yet attractive transom that gives the boat a dynamic look, even when at rest.

Fairline takes a unique approach to constructing its boats with four separate mouldings coming together to create a monocoque construction. This procedure, along with Fairline’s resin infusion process, adds structural strength and rigidity while reducing weight, noise and vibration.

This really is a boat for fun and enjoyment, with a sink and cooker, ample seating with a sundeck front and rear, there is an option for a submersible bathing platform, with variable height hydraulic mechanism and a 500kg capacity. The platform holds an integrated ladder for those wanting to swim, which conveniently swings and locks away when not in use.

If the sun became too much, you can lounge in the main living area, with a pop-up TV, dining table, marble touches to the cabinets and quality furnishings which really do make you feel at home.

Sleek design features have been used to create an “in and out” experience, including large three piece patio doors that span the full width of the upper deck. The large ‘L shaped’ cockpit seating boasts a substantial three person sun pad utilising a moveable backrest, giving ‘open’ style exterior space whilst still being able to close the doors on any inclement weather. The Targa 53GT has a single level floor from the cockpit to saloon, with one step up to the companionway to maximise the feeling of space.

The new model also features a glazed retractable hardtop, a key advantage of which is the pneumatic seal, providing a waterproof seal and seamless one touch movement from closed to open. The boat’s glazed feature windows in the saloon allow light to flood in and provide a stunning 360 degree panoramic experience, with an uninterrupted view.

Interior elegance and flexibility

During the development of the Targa 53GT, emphasis was placed on creating the most flexible Fairline layout to date, providing customers with the chance to create their perfect boat, which is hand built to their specific requirements. This includes the choice of galley up or galley down, providing the customer with class-leading flexibility in layout and widening the boat’s appeal to meet the demands of a global market.

Designed to be a sociable boat inside and out, the Targa 53GT combines large cockpit seating and sunbathing areas, with interior saloon seating to provide a seamless flow of entertaining and relaxation space. A stone inlayed wooden high/low dining table with folding leaves can convert from dining to coffee table, allowing the main saloon seating to serve as a dining or relaxation area. A stunning feature drinks unit stands next to the starboard sofa and a 40 inch rise and fall flat screen television as standard.

 

Companion seating opposite the twin helm adds to the boat’s sociable and inclusive experience. The helm station is designed to ensure the best visibility for the driver due to a central helm position, and the boat is equipped with the latest Garmin navigational technology, renowned for its reliability, technical innovation and ease of use.

The full beam mid-ship master cabin boasts a king size bed, feature headboard, mood lighting and large panoramic windows. The highest quality interior materials are used throughout, including stone worktops and leather panelled drawers and bed surround. A flush mounted 32 inch television, along with a standalone vanity unit with illuminated mirror are just a couple of examples of the luxurious touches in the master cabin. The master ensuite features the option of marble worktops throughout – a first for Fairline – and large windows to light the spacious bathroom.

In addition to the stunning master cabin, there is a VIP forward double cabin, with the option to convert the double to a scissor berth and glazing overhead with integrated blinds. A versatile extra cabin is to port, with side by side twin beds. Often overlooked, the twin cabin features the same attention to detail as the other accommodation, with no need for guests to sleep in bunk beds and design touches including a full length mirror. For additional accommodation, the Targa 53GT offers an optional spacious crew cabin with a glazed aft window.

The galley is visually open to the upper deck, ensuring those enjoying the ambience below decks are always connected to other guests. Owners can choose from three beautiful stone worktop options and the galley’s contemporary yet practical features include a full height fridge freezer, induction hobs and soft close drawers. Storage options in the galley include large eyeline lockers above the worktop and an under floor larder. Customers opting for the ‘galley up’ option will gain an additional day head and flexible utility room in place of the galley.

Stunning design details run throughout the boat including feature piping and stitching on the sofas and leather bound and stitched handrails. Owners can select options for sofa coverings, fabric and leather from four sumptuous interior schemes based on popular boating destinations – Capri, St Tropez, Amalfi and the Hamptons.

Technical details and engine options

Offering excellent sea-keeping in all conditions, the Targa 53GT is a true “boater’s boat” and offers a choice of three engine options with up to 850mhp available through shaft drives, which better suits the handling and performance characteristics of a 50ft+ boat.

The boat can reach 34 knots in a fully loaded state, including fuel and water, and boasts high capacity fuel tanks for longer range, safer cruising.

Action shot of our Targa 53GT in Sanremo 

Every feature has been carefully planned to enhance the on board experience of the Targa 53GT, including gyro stabilisation as a factory fitted option, a 45% increase in air conditioning output, 35% increase in exterior glazing, and 70% increase in cockpit seating and sunbed areas.

Prices start from £649,200 excluding VAT, with the twin Volvo Penta D11-675 EVC engine option.

For more information about Fairline, please visit: www.fairline.com 

A big thank you to Fairline and to ADPR for an amazing 2 days, and we will be bringing you more from Fairline over the coming weeks right here on Luxury News Online.