CL Yachts is staging the world premieres of its flagship CLX96 and its CLB65 at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

CL Yachts is hosting the world premieres of CLX96 (click to see Review, Issue 66) and CLB65 at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 26-30), marking the global debuts of the builder’s largest and smallest models to date.

CLX96 (click for launch article), which is already in Fort Lauderdale and available for private viewings, is the product of a collaboration between Milan-based industrial designer Jozeph Forakis, Albert Horsmon for structural engineering and Earl Alfaro for naval architecture. 

CL Yachts’ flagship had a Hong Kong premiere earlier this year and is notable for its rugged, adventurous exterior, with reverse-angle windscreens on the main and upper decks designed to reduce glare and heat. The plumb bow increases hydrodynamic efficiency and increases space for accommodation.

The main deck’s vast windows and bi-fold doors are echoed in the flybridge’s spectacular glazing with retractable windows on three sides.The pilothouse is the yacht’s sole helm station, while the skylounge also offers comfortable seating and a full bar. Aft is the ‘sky deck’, which features an alfresco dining area, more seating and space for loose furniture.

Other unique exterior social zones include the Terrazza Portoghese forward of the skylounge, the flexible Piazza del Sole seating and sunning area on the foredeck, and the expansive aft beach club with hydraulic swim platform.

 The main deck starts aft with a cockpit featuring a long L-shaped sofa, while inside, the interior offers a clear view all the way forward and huge windows either side. A saloon with seating on both sides is followed by a formal dining area, while forward is an open galley with an island counter, and a slightly raised champagne lounge benefiting from panoramic views.

The lower deck features four guest cabins comprising a full-beam master suite with a real skylight, full-beam VIP stateroom with virtual skylight, and two twins, while there are also two spacious crew cabins. CLX96 has a RINA Hull Construction Certification and is powered by twin 1900bhp Cat C32 engines for a top speed of over 25 knots at full load.

CL Yachts is also showing its CLB65 (click for launch article), which expands a B Series also featuring the popular CLB72 and CLB88, its flagship prior to CLX96.

Built upon the combined expertise of naval architect Howard Apollonio and leading marine structural engineer Gurit, CLB65 is designed for ease of use and trouble-free boating, including for owner-operators. The yacht has a resin-infused composite hull and uses carbon-fibre strategically to improve efficiency, performance and durability. 

CLB65 is CL Yachts’ first model with an aft galley, between the aft cockpit and the saloon, and is designed as the social hub of the boat, which features expansive windows. The expansive flybridge with hard top has an electric grill and abundant seating for lounging and relaxation.

The lower deck has a full-beam master stateroom midships, VIP suite forward and a guest cabin with twin beds.

CLB65 has upper and lower helm stations, each equipped with dual STIDD helm seats and 17-inch Volvo glass cockpit displays, and is powered by twin Volvo IPS1050 pod drives for a top speed of 27 knots.