CL Yachts unveiled its pioneering flagship CLX96 in Hong Kong, where the Jozeph Forakis creation showed off its remarkable mix of inventive design and sturdy, working-boat heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yacht Style<\/em> was invited to view the revolutionary CLX96 in Hong Kong, where company principals showed off the superyacht soon after its launch from the shipyard and before its journey to the US for her world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe recognised the need for a new category of yacht, designed to appeal to a new generation yet built to the uncompromising standards of our experienced owners. We call it a luxury performance Sea Activity Vessel, or SAV,\u201d said Martin Lo, Director of CL Yachts, who spoke earlier in the year to Yacht Style<\/em> about the evolution of the CLX96 design<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The designer for both interior and exterior is Milan-based Jozeph Forakis<\/a>, who brought to the project an entirely fresh approach, uncluttered by preconceptions, while Americans Earl Alfaro and Albert Horsmon handled naval architecture and structural engineering respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even before you step on board the yacht, there\u2019s a strong impression of practicality, encased in a stylish profile. The reverse angles on the superstructure are practical in reducing internal heating and reflections yet are also a nod to CL Yachts\u2019 expertise and relentless innovation in yacht building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plumb bow is an efficient use of waterline length to generate interior volume, but also reduces pitching, and the combined effect is of a no-nonsense vessel that can take you anywhere in the world and is ready to start 30 minutes from now. So, let\u2019s go!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step on board straight into the aft cockpit, and a visitor is going to look straight through the internal social area and see that this boat is almost transparent. Indeed, from the cockpit through to the bow is one clear, uninterrupted line of sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Forakis is extremely proud of this key design note. Many attempts have been made to \u2018bring the outdoors in\u2019, but few have succeeded so well. The main deck is a one-piece experience, giving an impression of a great deal more than 96ft of boat under your feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The interior begins with a lounge area, segues into the formal dining, passes seamlessly through the galley and bar, and concludes with the Champagne Lounge, before passageways outside lead to the circular-themed Piazza del Sole<\/em>, otherwise known as the foredeck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The divisions between each area are all the same height, giving the effect of one uninterrupted space, enhanced by the enormous side windows (truly floor to ceiling), opening three-panel glass doors on either side of the saloon, and the reverse-angle windshield forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A steeply raked window here would be pretty much standard, but would also project wasted space below it, and act as a sun trap \u2014 not so welcome in the tropics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You won\u2019t see any clunky air conditioning cabinets in this indoor space, as the vents have been cleverly and elegantly incorporated into the window mullions, which are also a structural feature of the vessel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a watertight door forward and to starboard of the galley that provides easy access from the galley to the Piazza del Sole<\/em>, which offers variable configuration seating and sunpads. It\u2019s the perfect spot for \u2018something cold\u2019 before an alfresco lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s an elegantly presented space, and the plumb bow allows all the anchoring, windlass and line-handling equipment to be pushed forward and entirely out of the way. It is, indeed, efficient design.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInterior With a Difference<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Piazza and Terrazza<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n