September 24, 2009

FOUNTAINE PAJOT GALATHEA ENTERS THE LUXURY CATAMARAN BLOG


I was invited to the launching of the Fountaine Pajot new flagship the GALATHEA 65 and I have to admit I was really impressed. Nothing to compare with previous Fountaine Pajot in terms of design and finish. The GALATHEA 65 trully is a luxury catamaran and deserves to be in this blog.

From left to right : Olivier Racoupeau, Jean Jacques Coste, the lady in charge of the Galathea project and Jean François Fountaine, founder et CEO of Fountaine Pajot.

The Galathea is designed by Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design with an interior by Jean Jacques Coste. It boosts really a great pedigree. Always built using the infusion process like the rest of the Fountaine Pajot range and with square top sails, it performs well at sea according to JF Fountaine (he is not going to tell me the contrary). Berret Racoupeau have introduced some innovations like a two part flybridge, with all the sails controls at starboard side and a private salon at port side.The Galathea offers numerous places to relax including a very large sunbathing area above the tender which also protects the tender from the rain and water. There are numerous layout available including on with a whole hull for a huge owner suite and one with 6 doubles bedrooms for extensive chartering. Various level of customization are also available, this is a first for Fountaine Pajot. I am sure the Galathea 65 will have a great success on the market. All ready two units have been launched an a few other are being built at the yard.

Charter GALATHEA catamaran with Windward Islands.

September 11, 2009

SEEN DURING THE CANNES BOAT SHOW

I wanted to post this message from Cannes but couldn't find the time. Here are the luxury catamarans I visited during the show. Enjoy.


BLUEBAY 92 RAPHOLY

RAPHOLY was the largest, designed by Jean Jacques Costes and built at the former Yacht Industries facilities she is a dream boat.












EXCLUSIVE 76


For the first time the Exclusive 76 was exhibited at the show. My pictures are not very good but this catamaran is amazing. The living space between the cockpit and the salon is the largest I have ever seen on a cat of this size.




S
THE SUNREEF 62, SUNREEF 70 and SUNREEF MOTOR 70

SUNREEF exhibited three catamaran all with different interior layouts and designs showing the level of customization available at the yard. I was most impressed by the interior volume and flybridge space available on the SUNREEF 70 Motor. It is really huge and is drawing customers for high range motor yacht builder to SUNREEF.










September 7, 2009

LADY BARBARETTA IS BACK AS NECKER BELLE

This is a real good news, after two years of refit Lady Barbaretta, Richard Branson's luxury, fast, full carbon 105 foot catamaran is back in the water. Necker Belle also has her own blog.


2 September 2009 - Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s privately owned collection of luxury retreats, announces a new girl in town, Necker Belle – a magnificent 32 metre (105 foot) catamaran. Take note, she’s one fast lady, effortlessly reaching a top cruising speed of 20 knots!
Necker Belle has spent the last two years undergoing an impressive refit, following her former years as Lady Barbaretta. Currently in Australia with the final nips and tucks underway, she’ll be turning heads in no time!
With a fantastic crew of seven, she will then set sail for the Caribbean. Necker Belle will be available for tailor-made weekly charters from February 2010 onwards. It is planned that she will spend the winters in the Caribbean and summers in the Mediterranean, should her guests want her to sail the Riviera or uncover its untouched bays.
Days aboard Necker Belle will be spent enjoying the clear waters of the Caribbean, whether cutting up the sea on a pair of water-skis, trying a hand at the high-adrenaline sport of game fishing or marvelling at the vibrant marine life with scuba tanks strapped to your back. Sun lovers can relax suspended over the turquoise waters, catching some rays on the forward beam trampoline.
Whether you prefer formal or informal dining, fine cuisine on board Necker Belle is a given. Dining can be inside or outside, themed or traditional. Regardless, guests are encouraged to treat Necker Belle as their home. Whilst in the evenings, after dinner, there is always an option for open air cinema –a projector is on hand with the stars in the sky as a back drop.
Accommodating eight guests in four double cabins, Necker Belle is 14 metres wide, which means she’s extremely roomy. It’s been commented that she’s as spacious as a beautiful beach house, a fine extension from her sister property, Necker Island. Except of course she can travel at over 20 knots under full sail!
To keep abreast of Necker Belle’s progress in the run up and during her sea trials, visitors can log onto the ‘Captain’s blog’ at
http://vlog.virginlimitededition.com
This also provides the opportunity to chat with our Captain Jono and Chief Stewardess Suzanne.
The seven night weekly charter rate for the remainder of the 2009/2010 winter Caribbean season will be $88,000 USD. This rate includes the charter of Necker Belle with a full crew.*
With a crew of seven catering to each guests’ needs, and a modern and stylish interior; complete with fabulous Virgin service, Necker Belle is the perfect choice for fun and relaxation on the high seas.