CL Yachts launches CLX96

CL Yachts has staged the technical launch of its CLX96, the brand’s flagship and first ‘Sea Activity Vessel’ (SAV).

CL Yachts enjoyed fine weather as the builder splashed its flagship CLX96, a model billed as a ‘Sea Activity Vessel’ (SAV). Milan-based Jozeph Forakis is responsible for the concept and exterior and interior design of the RINA-certified CLX96, while naval architecture and structural engineering is by Americans Earl Alfaro and Albert Horsmon respectively.

The shipyard expects the 29.5m motor yacht to have a cruising speed of 22 knots and a top speed of 27 knots (at half load) with her twin Caterpillar C32 engines. The builder is now focusing on refinements and final adjustments before conducting sea trials.

The yacht’s powerful performance is matched by her ‘workboat chic’ aesthetic. A plumb bow and a two-level deckhouse featuring reverse-sheer windshields are among many distinct exterior traits by Forakis, who only started designing boats with CL Yachts, having spent most of his career in industrial design.

The angle of the windshields offers several advantages. In rough seas, water washes away from a reverse sheer smoothly and efficiently, ensuring good sight-lines when skippers need them the most. In addition, the angle reduces a ‘greenhouse effect’ in the interior, keeping it cool for passengers, and allows for more interior space.

Forakis, who drew inspiration from the New York City loft in which he was born, said: “The yacht’s distinctive profile is born from observations of living habits at sea and reconsidering the preconceptions of space, comfort and conviviality. Of course, comfort is a priority on a luxury yacht, but I also want those onboard to always be aware that they are on a ‘vessel’ built to transport them through space and time.”

CLX96 won the Concept Under 40 Metres category at the 2021 edition of the International Yacht & Aviation Awards, having been a winner at the 2020 Good Design Awards and earned a Bronze in the Yacht and Marine Vessels Design Category of the 2020-21 A’Design Award & Competition.