Crossing the Gulf

However, despite the Majesty 111’s rather Rubenesque dimensions – think 34.12 metres length overall (LOA), a 7.21-metre beam and 243 gross tonnage – Captain Richard Morris, Managing Director of Australian Superyachts, the exclusive distributor for Gulf Craft in Australia and New Zealand, says she handles well.

“She’s has very good stability because she’s not a tri-deck – she’s a low-rise yacht with a low centre of gravity,” he states. “The hull shape is efficient and very economical. Gulf Craft puts a lot of effort into research and development – and it shows.”

The vessel is powered by a pair of 1,874-hp MAN V12 1900s and can hit a surprisingly athletic 20 knots on the pins while cruising steadily at 12 knots for a range of 1,300 nautical miles – nearly the exact distance from Australia to New Zealand. And the engines are nicely housed.

“Gulf Craft is adept with their engineering,” says Morris. “They specialise in fast boats with big engines and good air conditioning. You can access all sides of the engines – these guys are true engineers and understand the necessities of maintenance; the engine room is a very ergonomic space.”

The Majesty 111 offers a lot, particularly from an entertainment perspective, which is where this yacht really shines.

Perhaps my favourite space was the spacious and private foredeck lounge with U-shaped seating, twin cocktail tables, and sunpads surrounding a large dip pool with a glass bottom that sits squarely over the island berth in the master suite below, creating a dazzling dance of light. (And yes, there’s an electric shade for privacy.) Near sole-to-ceiling glazing to either side lets in loads of natural light to the master as well.

The master boasts a walk-in closet and a large ensuite. “The master is opulent,” says Morris. “It’s got that beautiful bathroom, and the whole style of the yacht is fresh and contemporary. Then you’ve got the spa pool above the owner’s berth, which is really a skylight, and that gives a whole new dimension to the look and feel of the suite.”

The Majesty 111 is a six-stateroom yacht – another huge advantage for charter – with five cabins on the lower deck accessed via an impressive glass and backlit marble stair. There are mirroring ensuite guest cabins with queen-size berths forward with massive ensuites – these cabins could be the master on some yachts this size.

Moving aft there are mirroring twin cabins, while amidships, there’s a full-beam VIP that could easily serve as a second master.

It’s a smart design choice to essentially have two master suites on a yacht – fewer arguments about who gets what.

The Majesty 111 doesn’t leave much wanting when it comes to relaxation either. The main saloon benefits from near-full- height windows, while interior finishes are customisable and done in-house by Gulf Craft so owners can choose the vibe they want.

On the yacht in Monaco, a dining table for 10 sat forward underneath a swirling, modernistic chandelier. Just forward of the saloon is a closed-off galley, notable for the amount of prep space for the chef as well as the full-size fridge and freezer.

The 111 also features a pilothouse, interior flybridge and an exterior deck aft, accessed via a staircase that was my one sticking point with the boat: it’s far too steep. Happily, I’m told by Gulf Craft that this is a known flaw and will be ameliorated on future hulls.

The helm is a commanding one. Sightlines via the reverse-raked windshield are decent all around. A watertight door to starboard allows egress for docking and other duties, and an L-shaped settee with a table to starboard allows guests to join in the fun.

The flybridge lounge is a highlight and could easily fit 15 people. A bar to port sits above a large flatscreen TV meant to be viewed from the starboard-side sofa.

Moving aft through electrically opening glass doors is the alfresco portion of the flybridge, where a second dining table handles less formal meals. A full wet-bar setup to starboard ably keeps guests refreshed with cold drinks, while lounge chairs aft made for an excellent place to take in views of the hustle and bustle of the Monaco Yacht Show during cocktail hour.

Never a dull moment, I spotted a few characters careening down the docks from my vantage point up there and, given the Majesty 111’s unmistakable presence, a few of them definitely spotted me as well. I imagine they were quite jealous.

australiansuperyachts.com.au
gulfcraftinc.com