| Alloy 131 |  |
Typical of Dubois Naval Architects’ smooth styling,
Ad Lib
will turn heads in any anchorage. Her profile is strikingly modern and
streamlined, emphasized by her deep-blue hull, metallic-silver superstructure
and charcoal side accents.
First impressions are reinforced by closer inspection that reveals clever
detailing, like the polished stainless louvers that wrap around the aft slope of
the main-deck sidewalls and the anchors that are concealed in bow tunnels. Successful cruising has many facets—adventurous discovery and
comfortable relaxation, convivial company and solitude, barefoot casualness and
occasional formality—but it also must offer the ability to connect with the
world, if necessary. Ad
Lib, by virtue of her variety of interior and exterior
spaces, state-of-the-art equipment and excellent design and construction, has
the ability to meet all these requirements and more.
 The flybridge includes a spa and lounging
areas. (Click image to enlarge)
"I am not much interested in transoceanic passages," explains
Lane, "so I tend to locate the boat in a new area and then explore for six to
eight weeks at a time. Typically, I would have six guests on board at a time,
visiting for a couple of weeks. We like to keep on the move, calling into
villages and anchorages along the way." The spacious garage, which is accessed through a transom door
on the aft swim platform, contains a wide range of water toys, including a
sailing dinghy, sailboards, scuba equipment, kayaks and matching
remote-controlled sailboats. A 5.4-meter (17-foot 9-inch) Novurania tender with
a 160-hp Volvo sterndrive is also housed here. Water access is through a large
side door on the port side, with a yard-built overhead gantry crane for
launching and retrieving equipment. Alloy Yachts has gained an impressive reputation over the years
for its ability to design and build custom components, and Ad Lib expands its
repertoire with, among other items, the gantry crane and a three-stage
passerelle, which extends straight aft from a concealed housing in the transom
for Mediterranean-style docking. For recovery from energetic pursuits—or for those who want to
avoid them altogether—Ad
Lib offers plenty of places to curl up with a book,
stretch out on sun lounges or write a postcard or two to envious friends. Two
outdoor bars serve up comfortable spaces to enjoy refreshments. To counter
accusations of total idleness, a session in the gym will do the job
admirably. For the interior design, Lane turned again to Donald Starkey,
who also handled the S.Q.N. commission. "On S.Q.N., we used lighter
timbers for the interior," notes Lane. "For this boat, I wanted darker timbers.
I have always loved the wengé/ebony look."
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