CL Yachts’ New CLX96 Makes World Debut In Ft. Lauderdale

The CLX96 that CL Yachts just unveiled in Ft. Lauderdale is a fresh new design that’s intended to maximize living space without compromising speed, styling or range. And after my tour with Jozeph Forakis, exterior and interior designer of the CLX96, I can say there is some substance to the style of the yacht’s innovative profile.

The forward-raked windscreens on the main and upper decks are designed to reduce both glare and heat while also increasing interior living space. The result is an interior that is not only light and airy but that seamlessly integrates with the outside areas with near-uninterrupted 360-degree views.

“In early 2017, CL Yachts reached outside the industry and asked me to rethink yacht design and yachting experiences,” says designer Jozeph Forakis. “They gave me a clean slate to conceive a new vision for the yacht of today and tomorrow. With in-depth research methodologies and a focus on intelligent design, complementing my passion for sailing and ‘outsiders’’ imagination and dreams, the result is a vessel that departs from convention.”

While her double-reverse-angle profile and wing-like flybridge bulwark are visually distinctive, Forakis explains, these elements were born from a functional reconsideration of the way to live on a yacht. “CLX96 pushes boundaries of innovation and yachting experiences with flowing indoor and outdoor spaces,” he continues. “Unprecedented amounts of light penetrate the interiors – made possible by advanced composite structures with lightweight, thin, strong mullions allowing oversize windows throughout.”

This is reinforced on the main deck with trifold doors that open the midships area to the side deck and bulwark cutaway, creating wide open area in the heart of the main deck’s living space. This area blends seamlessly with the aft saloon and forward country-style galley with island and “Champagne Lounge” forward of the galley.

The sense of space and the inside-outside feeling continue on the upper deck, with the enclosed helm and Sky Lounge offering shade and climate-controlled comfort. And the huge aft sundeck area has everything needed for outside living – sofas and dining table, grill, fridge and icemaker. The Sky Lounge’s electric windows can be fully opened to create the feel of a hardtop fly, and the aft coachroof extension that provides shade to the alfresco seating and dining area.

In front of the Pilot House Forakis has created the ‘Terrazza Portoghese’, a generous additional deck space perfect for sun loungers, while on the foredeck there is an inviting ‘Piazza del Sole’ – a circular aperitif lounge that converts into a giant sunbed.

Aft, the large swim platform makes for a perfect beach club, with the Z-lift central transformer section not only easing tender launching but also creating an additional terrace extension on the water.

Below, CLX96’s standard configuration offers four guest cabins including a large master suite forward complete with skylight over the king-size bed, a full-beam midships VIP cabin with virtual skylight, and two twin/double convertible guest cabins with ensuite heads.

The master stateroom includes his-and-hers ensuite heads in the bow, while a bow-mounted forward facing HD camera can send the forward view for display on the 65-inch television on the bulkhead forward of the bed which, combined with the views through the large hull glazing to port and starboard, completes a panoramic view.

I’m impressed.