Naturally, the prolific Italian semi-custom yachtbuilders
refuse to be outdone in the flybridge yacht category. Azimut, which builds
models up to 30 meters, enhanced the lower end of its range recently by
introducing the new 14.5-meter Azimut 47 at the Genoa boat show in
October. Aicon, on the other hand,
extended the upper end of its line by launching a new flagship, the flybridge
85, last year. Crowned by a hardtop with an automatic skylight, the 26-meter
Aicon 85 also features a hot tub on its expansive sun deck. Below, she provides
generous living areas, including four large staterooms with ensuite heads for an
owner’s party of eight. Privacy is ensured by a well-thought-out separation of
guest and crew areas. For example, the main-deck galley can be accessed both
from the dining area and the wheelhouse. The relatively large crew quarters are
tucked into the bow.
 Aicon 47 & 85. (Click image to enlarge)
Fall of 2006 marked the launch of a sporty new flybridge
cruiser from Ferretti Yachts. The 24-meter F780 is a bit of a departure for
Ferretti, which bills itself as the world leader in the design and production of
flybridge models. The interior woodwork is in light teak, rather than the
traditional cherry. Ferretti’s engineering team cleverly designed the yacht’s
fore and aft flybridge stairways to be completely unobtrusive, allowing
uninterrupted sightlines from the wheelhouse to the aft deck. Megayacht features
such as the Ferretti Group’s Anti-Rolling Gyro (ARG) stabilization system are
part of the yacht’s enviable standard equipment list.
 Aicon 85. (Click image to enlarge)
The new 75 Venere from fellow Ferretti Group member Riva is a
one of the best-looking flybridge yachts to grace the waves. This 23-meter model
is the physical embodiment of the old adage, "A place for everything and
everything in its place." Of particular note are the separate dining area on the
main deck and the owner’s stateroom with its walk-in closet and a large,
ensuite bathroom that’s comfortable enough for a couple to share.
The motor yacht category encompasses the biggest semi-custom
vessels on the market. These yachts are designed for long-range luxury cruising.
More and more luxury yachtbuilders are entering this category
from both the custom and production ends of the industry. Large custom shipyards
such as Benetti and Palmer Johnson, for example, have added semi-custom
composite sidelines to their businesses, while full-production players like
Jefferson Yachts and even Sea Ray in the United States have grown their
fleets by building semi-custom flagships.
Horizon 130. Interior décors feature upscale materials. Noted custom designers
draw many semi-custom motor yachts’ exterior lines. (Click images to enlarge)
Several notable semi-custom motor yacht series for the 2007
model year are being built in Asia, where boatbuilding and woodworking skills
passed down from generation to generation go hand and hand with affordable labor
rates. Horizon, which is
headquartered in Taiwan, has two new models in the works, both of which take
advantage of the talents of outside designers. The 21-meter Horizon Vision 68
has an ultra-lightweight hull designed by Gregory C. Marshall. Representing
a return to traditional cruising values, this yacht combines retro lines with a
huge interior volume made possible by its 6.2-meter beam. The Premier 130 is Horizon’s new flagship, featuring exterior
design by JC Espinosa. This 39.6-meter tri-deck motor yacht is closer in
spirit to a custom project. The shipyard offers a wide variety of layouts,
including an on-deck master suite and a formal dining area.
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