First award-winning CLX96 Sea Activity Vessel prepares to launch
The first CLX96 Sea Activity Vessel, or SAV, from CL Yachts is entering the final stages of construction, with its launch set for July and first public appearance expected at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2021.
The yacht has already received widespread recognition and critical acclaim for its fresh look and revolutionary features, winning a Good Design Award and Bronze A’ Design Award, as well as being shortlisted by the International Yacht and Aviation Awards for its interior and exterior design. The completion of the first CLX96 will be a landmark moment for CL Yachts, as the model embodies a new direction for the family-owned company, exemplifying its commitment to innovation and excellence.
“The CLX96 showcases the expert knowhow of CL Yachts and represents our brand value. In order to be competitive in today’s market, you need to be daring and we believe that the CLX96 is a bold challenge of the status quo in its category,” commented Martin Lo, CL Yachts Director.
The SAV: a modern take on rugged luxury
Embodying CL Yachts’ innate love for adventure and a desire to push luxury into uncharted waters, the CLX96’s design will resonate with modern explorers who also seek comfort, innovation and style from their yacht.
The versatile CLX96 features an inviting, open layout, rugged and adventurous proportions and clean, fluid lines. The revolutionary SAV has been created from the ground-up in collaboration with international designer Jozeph Forakis, with structural engineering from Albert Horsmon and naval architecture from Earl Alfaro.
‘Workboat chic’ gives a distinctive edge
The yacht’s original design includes a ‘workboat chic’ two-level, reverse-angle deckhouse using inverted trapezoids that maximize space as well as reduce glare and heat, while the plumb bow further amplifies accommodation alongside increasing hydrodynamic efficiency.
With a blurring of lines between the interior and exterior, the main deck’s vast windows and bi-fold doors are echoed in the flybridge’s spectacular glazing with retractable windows on three sides, seamlessly leading guests from the Sky Lounge and Pilothouse to the Sky Deck alfresco dining area aft. Other unique exterior social zones include the “Terrazza Portoghese” forward of the Sky Lounge, the “Piazza del Sole” seating and sunning area on the foredeck, and the expansive stern Beach Club at the waterline with its hydraulically-submerging swim platform.
Design that is stylish yet discreet
The interior decor is stylish yet discreet, reminiscent of a time when yachting was about simplicity and enjoyment rather than an attempt to bring a lavish, land-based home to the water. The relaxed, open-plan main deck interior features a convivial galley with sit-up bar and a bank of sofas, as well as a lounge and dining area that feel inviting and fresh.
Meanwhile, the four guest cabins – plus two for crew – on the lower deck are spacious and bright thanks to large windows and high ceilings; the Master suite’s real skylight is paralleled by the VIP suite’s virtual skylight, which ingeniously receives a feed from an on-deck camera to a display screen embedded above the VIP king-size bed. It is such attention to detail and embracing of innovation from CL Yachts that is creating a buzz about the imminent arrival of the CLX96 to the yachting market.
Appealing to understated and discerning buyers
“Rather than being flashy and obvious, the SAV will appeal to understated and discerning buyers who appreciate the essence of a well-designed vessel that offers beauty from within as well as from the outside. The CLX96 represents an effortless luxury that can only be provided by a space that is well laid out and organized. This is a yacht with substance, heart and soul built into it; it is not just another pretty boat. To us, it is the very definition of a modern explorer – both physically and spiritually – in the sense that it allows you to experience new things, taking you on a journey of self-exploration,” adds Martin Lo.
A distinguished name in construction and innovation
The CLX96’s RINA-classified FRP composite hull draws on CL Yachts’ unparalleled experience in fiberglass construction, with a completely new mold having been created for the SAV. Having pioneered the use of fiberglass for boat building in the 60s, CL Yachts assisted Lloyd’s Register in developing the guidelines for its use in construction; these industry-wide quality standards form the basis of the rules that are still used today by classification societies.
As a company grounded in the values of workmanship, engineering and reliability, CL Yachts is mindful of the quality of its products and the safety of its workforce; it is certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 standards. All components used by CL Yachts are sourced from internationally renowned brands, for reassurance when it comes to service and warranty.
CL Yachts believes in smart engineering with an ethos of ‘strategic optimization’ for optimal stiffness and lightness, so its vessels can sail further, faster. This approach results in a considered combination of composite materials that enhances the performance and comfort of a vessel, using fiberglass, E-glass and carbon fiber. With over 60 years’ experience of building in composite materials and by choosing the best structural engineering partners in the business, CL Yachts has an innate understanding of how to create robust and reliable vessels, instilling confidence when navigating in even the toughest of conditions.
Using Finite Element Analysis, the company is able to provide some of the highest strength-to-weight ratios for full construction in the production yacht industry. Combining this high strength, stiffness, optimum weight control and the most sea kindly hulls available, CL Yachts delivers performance, comfort and efficiency throughout the entire speed range.
A crossover yacht that does it all
In keeping with CL Yachts’ reputation for dependability and practicality, all technical plans for the CLX96 have been laid out in a clean and serviceable manner to offer peace of mind to owners. And the yacht offers remarkable predicted top speed of 27 knots and cruising speed of 22 knots, powered by twin Caterpillar C32 engines, alongside the elevated seaworthiness that CL Yachts’ parent company is renowned for in the commercial sector.
“We want to return the romance of yachting to today’s owners, who are educated and demanding. The CLX96 SAV is the crossover yacht that meets their needs head-on: you get a good range, excellent top and cruising speeds, plenty of space and the possibility to enjoy mini expeditions to wherever your heart desires. We are excited to see hull #1 of this series completed in the coming months, to show what CL Yachts can achieve with this remarkable package,” comments Martin Lo.
