The rugged new CLB65 is making its way to Australia, where it will debut at the upcoming Sanctuary Cove Int. Boat Show
Following its successful debut in Hong Kong last year, CL Yachts has confirmed plans to bring the CLB65 to Australia. It will feature at all of the upcoming major boat shows, starting with the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May 2024.
At 19.7 metres in length and 6.05 metres in beam, the Howard Apollonio-designed hull builds upon the success of the bestselling CLB72. CL Yachts says this cruiser has been tailor-made for Australian adventures, with shaded deck space, proven Volvo Penta performance, and rugged construction engineered by Gurit.
“The CLB65 is a really interesting addition to the Australian market, and it offers so many features that are key to cruising this region,” says Andrew Withers, Managing Director of Sydney Marine Brokerage, CL Yachts’ dealer for Australia.
“It encapsulates the essence of waterside living and delivers an incredible onboard experience, but it is equally capable of taking you anywhere you want to go thanks to a carbon-reinforced, resin-infused hull and a 27-knot top end.”
There’s a single-level main deck from aft terrace to forward saloon, a lower-deck with full-beam master, VIP and a further ensuite twin, and a flybridge that extends all the way aft to provide shade and shelter to the cockpit below.
At the main deck level, the aft cockpit and alfresco dining area roll forward into an aft galley – a first for CL Yachts, and a popular feature for Australian boaters – which features a lift-up aft window and opening door to connect outside and in.
As with all CL Yachts models, the saloon area has a wraparound lounge to port, and interior helm to starboard. Large windows wrap around the main deck, while organic shapes and asymmetric interior elements deliver a nod to contemporary styling.
The huge flybridge is likely to be a real draw. Multiple lounges, a barbecue and wet bar and eye-catching tables for sundowners or alfresco dinners offer a space for guests to enjoy at all hours of the day – or night – while a large carbon hardtop provides much-needed shade.
“The fully-featured flybridge helm ensures owner-drivers can remain part of the action, although there is a crew cabin aft of the engine room for those who’d rather let someone else take control – or for those who would like to offer skippered charter.”
The aft cockpit and upper terrace are not the only options for outside living – there’s a forward cockpit with lounge and sunpads, and the aft platform, which is designed to carry the tender, also doubles as a beach terrace.
Below, the midships master cabin enjoys the 6.05-metre beam, which not only brings the luxury of space (and light, thanks to the large hull windows) but also of storage with a generous wardrobe, and an ensuite that offers a walk-in rain shower. Forward in the bows is a VIP ensuite cabin, with an additional twin – also with ensuite – to port.
CL Yachts says the hull has been optimised for fast, rugged cruising, with twin 800-hp Volvo Penta IPS 1050s offering a cruise of 21 knots and a 27-knot max. The IPS system makes the CLB65 easier to manoeuvre in harbour or in tighter spaces.
“As well as offering the very best fit and finish and contemporary classic styling in a variety of materials to suit each client’s taste, we also consider the cruising areas and cruising style for our key territories,” says Martin Lo, CL Yachts Director.
“This means that for each of our models, including the CLB65, we have the capability to develop different layouts that match the culture, cruising grounds, climate and customer trends of those individual territories.”
“Australia is an exciting market for us, and we think the CLB65 is an exciting model for Australians, offering the perfect platform for the Australian boating lifestyle. We can’t wait to see the response to CLB65 at the regional boat shows this year.”
