Alloy 131

Cream carpeting is used extensively in the bedroom suites. The overheads are V-grooved painted in cream, with mirrored or upholstered panel inserts as feature elements. Hints of the New Zealand origins of the vessel are evident in discreet paua-shell inlays in the doors and a silver-fern inlay in the cockpit bar top.

The main salon and dining area are on the main deck and feature oak floors, with large side windows providing excellent views. Looking forward from the glass-and-steel pneumatic ranch sliders that open onto the aft deck, the salon is arranged with large and inviting yard-built cream settees and two distinctive multi-striped armchairs arranged around a square coffee table. A small occasional table and chairs provide a pleasant corner for wrestling with the crossword, playing cards or writing up the daily diary of new places discovered.

A low marble-topped cabinet separates the main salon from the dining area. The oval dining table is crafted in sycamore with a birch burr inlay and seats 10. Overhead is a mirrored lighting panel, while two glass floor-to-ceiling side panels contain mood lighting.

The dining and lounge areas introduce another significant change from Lane’s previous vessel. On S.Q.N., the dining area was contained in a separate room with a solid wall, while Ad Lib’s approach is more open, creating a more spacious ambiance. "It’s a bit less formal as well," says Lane, "which is how I wanted it."

A stunning working model of a steamship built in 1870 is a point of interest on the cabinet. "I spotted it in a shop in London and knew it would be absolutely ideal for Ad Lib." It does actually work, although it is unlikely to have many outings from the swim platform. Lane laughs as he recalls the reaction of the London dealer when he jokingly asked if the model had a remote control. "He gave me a very sideways look and reminded me it was an authentic piece built more than a century ago."

The forward section of the main deck is devoted to the full-width owner’s suite, which includes an office with charcoal-leather inlay desk and matching leather armchairs. The bedroom has a king-size bed to port with a cream fabric settee and an art-deco semi-circular chrome coffee table to starboard.

Aft of the bedroom area is a large walk-in wardrobe, while his-and-hers marble bathrooms are forward. Situated between the two bathrooms with dual access is a large shower. The bathrooms are screened from the bedroom with a floor-to-ceiling lighting panel set into a timber bulkhead with square-cut apertures, reminiscent of the teak duckboards on traditional sailing vessels. A subtle silver-studded cornice trim hints at the silver finish work on the exterior.

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