Winds of change

Richard Morris, Managing Director at Australian Superyachts, which has been representing Gulf Craft in Australia since 2012, confirms one aspect of Gulf Craft’s new approach: adoption of commercial compliant construction standards. In particular, Gulf Craft abides by the commercial classification standards of the MCA Large Yacht Code (LY3) and Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) National Commercial Vessel Code (NSCV).

“High quality, commercial compliance for charter, value for money,” is how Morris defines Majesty’s products. “Gulf Craft is currently the only foreign superyacht builder that has been able to build and deliver purpose-built charter superyachts to the Australian market,” he says. “Superyacht owners are looking for the most intelligent way to own their assets. Chartering their yacht helps them partially offset running costs, enabling them to realise their dream of ownership in a far more economical manner.”

As for the Majesty 140, her hull form helps convey peace of mind. It’s based on a proven design and features seaworthy and sea-kindly geometry corresponding to the demand of year-round operation. The exterior profile gives the whole design a strong, dynamic feeling. To enhance this characteristic, there’s a blade-like window shape where the yacht is full beam.

Speaking of windows, the other improvements that Gulf Craft incorporated into the Majesty 140 all relate to visibility. They begin with the guest cabins on the lower deck. The staterooms now benefit from large windows that let plenty of light in, while adding a further touch of dynamism to the yacht’s profile. By comparison, the 135 was dotted with small windows and portholes. The wheelhouse windshield – manufactured by Italian company Hard Glass – is raked forward and features thin mullions to maximise visibility.

In addition, wing stations sit to both sides of the wheelhouse, for better manoeuvring in small or crowded marinas. Last but not least, the cockpit boasts two nice fold-down balconies, providing extra space to enjoy the views, or to dive or fish.

As one would expect of a yacht designed for use in hot climates, an extra-powerful air-conditioning system keeps guests comfortable while inside, yet outside living is taken into great consideration, too.

Hull number one of the Majesty 140, C’est la Vie, reflects good space planning in both areas. In fact, from the large and well-shaded sun deck to the massive, open-plan main saloon encompassing lounging and dining areas, C’est la Vie reveals that maximising available space was a priority.

As we’ve seen, Majesty’s designers approached the question of deck design by providing guests with close contact to the sea. They executed simple and effective solutions such as low, finely designed bulwarks topped with stainless steel handrails. The swim platform opens onto a teak-clad beach club. Taking into consideration that contact with the sea is important on all deck levels, C’est la Vie has al fresco lounging and dining areas, properly shaded, at guests’ disposal on both the upper and sun decks. The shade extends on the sun deck from the oval seating area fully forward to a bar and lounging area amidships and even all the way to the spa pool and sun beds aft. Even the foredeck area just in front of the wheelhouse is put to good use. A cosy hideaway overlooking the bow, it’s for sipping an aperitif or relaxing en plein air.

C’est la Vie’s owner asked the yard’s in-house design team for a few modifications from the standard version. An elevator has been added, for instance. The captain’s cabin has been moved to the lower deck from the upper deck, replaced by a guest cabin with great views. But, a fold-down Pullman bed is concealed in the wheelhouse’s wall, so the captain can take a nap between watches. Other changes include a day head added on the sun deck, alongside a storage room, as the owner and guests spend extended holidays on board. Finally, exquisite meals are brought out from a thoroughly outfitted galley on the main deck.

Throughout C’est la Vie, the senses of space, comfort, and quality are immediately apparent. The owner asked the interior designers to create a relaxing atmosphere, and they fully accomplished this mission. They developed a classic contemporary ambience, featuring calm, colour-coordinated environments. The same marble appears throughout the interior on both flooring and cabinet tops, Onyx Costa Blanca, set in large slabs framed in walnut. All leathers have been manufactured by Foglizzo, a renowned Italian company. Art Deco hints give a sophisticated touch, too.

The yacht’s layout is quite classic, with a large owner’s stateroom on the main deck forward and four guest suites on the lower deck.

The include two doubles and two twin cabins with Pullman beds. The above-mentioned fifth guest cabin, though, a small VIP on the upper deck, is a real treat. The owner’s stateroom is extremely bright thanks to a large window to port with sliding doors opening onto a fold-down balcony.

On the upper deck, a so-called ‘cigar lounge’ features a bar with panels encompassing tobacco leaves set in transparent resin. Padded-leather sofas offer a cosy corner to chat with friends or read a book in solitude.

Ceilings and the lighting system play an important role in creating a highly sophisticated ambiance. They’re treated as major design features. Square patterns, mirror frames, and strips of light embedded into ceilings and window frames add drama to the overall design without overwhelming it.

The yacht’s construction is impressive. Equipment and wiring are easily accessible, and the engine room has a rational layout. With twin MTU engines outputting 2,600hp at 2350rpm, C’est la Vie has reportedly achieved her target design top speed of 20 knots and has a range of 3,300nm at the economic speed of 12 knots.

Whatever the owner of the Majesty 140 asked for, the yard’s team tried to fulfil. It is apparent that Gulf Craft worked hard on this project, to send an emphatic message to the international boating community: here we are!

gulfcraftinc.com

australiansuperyachts.com.au