Yacht with the lot

“This boat is built to AMSA survey so it can be chartered out when its five owners aren’t using it. It was a meticulous process, carried out over 12 months,” Young continues. “We worked very closely with Gavin Clark from Slipstream Marine in Sydney.”

The effort and attention to detail were worth it. Carpe Diem is a tribute to the vision, tenacity and 15 or so years of research that is the foundation of the other business Young and his wife Belinda have operated since 2009 – Boating Syndication Australia (BSA).

The brand is now focused on larger boats, with another Longreef 90 due for delivery and well-progressed plans for a new 116-foot flagship.

“Our designs draw on so many influences,” says Young, “from our owners’ wish lists to features from superyachts such as the deck spaces, as well as improvements we’ve made based on our own experiences.”

One such enhancement is the sundeck spa pool that sits above the deck for ease of maintenance. “There’s no waiting for costly trades – it’s simply replaced when needed,” says Young.

Carpe Diem boasts lavish materials, generous spaces on deck and inside, and crew accommodation. “Owners don’t want to be bothered with driving, refuelling or cleaning – they just want to relax with friends and family,” Young says. “They want everything at their fingertips, just like their own private island.”

The yacht was also designed and built without any concern for resale. “She is avant-garde,” Young acknowledges, “but I believe uniqueness will dictate the value of motor yachts going forward.”

Carpe Diem, as reviewed, was syndicated in five shares totalling AU$6.8 million, although the replacement cost for a new-build started today is approximately AU$8 million. At 25.82 metres with a 5.95-metre beam, Carpe Diem is rated for up to 36 adults on a day charter.

Guests come aboard via her extended 2.3-metre hydraulic swim platform, which also accommodates the 4.5-metre tender, launched via a davit with a 1-tonne rating. A watertight transom door gives access to the engine room, crew accommodation, bathroom and an ingenious prep kitchen.

“The owners can use the upstairs galley while crew prepare meals down below,” Young explains. With plenty of headroom and tinted windows, these are well-lit, air-conditioned crew quarters. Crew accommodation consists of a twin bunk cabin and ensuite with a separate shower.

The aft cockpit, which can be fully enclosed with clears for weather and mozzie protection, is set up with a traditional table complete with recessed cooler, and seating, chairs, ice-maker and Bose sound system. The expansive flybridge means the whole area is completely under cover.

The foredeck offers a table and built-in seating, and further forward, twin sunpads surround the skylight of the VIP below.

The table and seating can convert to a daybed. Aft, bifold doors open to the beamy saloon for seamless entertaining.

The saloon offers a C-shaped leather lounge to port, facing custom-built cabinets for stemware and a wine fridge, which also conceals the pop-up, 75-inch flatscreen TV.

Huge windows and a large windscreen mean guests won’t miss any of the passing seascapes. The upper galley is located to port and comprises Miele appliances, such as a full-size dishwasher, the latest pyrolytic self-cleaning oven, induction cooktop and integrated rangehood, plus drawer and cupboard space in every bulkhead. The Samsung smart fridge is top of the line. With four zones, the ability to record your shopping list and wide shelving for platters of food, it’s the largest on the market.

Adjacent is the dining space, with room for 10. Dark hardware and cabinetry complement the ash chevron-laid flooring, enlivened by brass, citrus and ochre elements. The sophisticated palette, chosen by interior designer Michelle Macarounas from Infinite Design Studio, combined with the uncluttered decor, creates a cosy ambience. The space is separated from the bridge deck by decorative shelving, and there’s a day head to port.

Forward is the pilothouse. The helm is wrapped in a burnt-orange, perforated leather. There’s a single helm chair, Garmin screens, Twin Disc Quickshift digital control, Yacht Controller, and high-tech cameras and monitoring equipment for vessel systems. Guests can enjoy the view from the bridge in a comfy corner lounge. All appliances and nav equipment on board were sourced from local suppliers and installed in Australia, ensuring compliance, warranties and support.

The companionway from the helm spirals down to four large cabins, including two twins that can convert to doubles.

In the full-beam master, the queen bed is oriented obliquely for optimal views. The custom-crafted, stainless-steel windows have an Art Deco air. A desk/vanity at the base of the bed conceals the pop-up TV while to port, there’s an inviting day bed. Separated from the sleeping area by switch glass panels, the ensuite is as lavish as it is practical, with his- and-hers stone basins, mirrored cabinets, an oversize shower and a separate loo. Very Zen.

The VIP cabin’s extra ceiling height, two large skylights above the queen bed, porthole windows and masterful layering of earth tones, textures and LED light strips convey a feeling of space and light. Under-bed storage and cedar-lined cupboards stow all the gear required for longer stints at sea.

The two twin/double cabins have their own ensuites, and all cabins have TVs, cedar-lined cupboards and air conditioning. All hull ports are fixed as is standard for vessels in survey.

The flybridge is the pièce de résistance, comprising lounge/dining under the hardtop with two tables, each with a recessed cooler.

Further forward are the sunpads. Aft is a serious bar, complete with Strahl glassware stored securely, Vitrifrigo ice-maker and fridge, an equally impressive barbecue and the spa pool. A retractable awning offers shade.

Carpe Diem carries a tender, Sea-Doo Spark, kayaks, SUPs, and Aqua Lily Pad floating mat with a 5-metre inflatable slide. “We say boating is all about spending time together and creating memories,” says Young.

“That’s how we’ve designed the Longreef 90,” he adds. “Everything is to commercial standard. Fuel capacity is 4,000 litres and fuel consumption is comparable with others in this class. At 10 knots, we’re burning around 140 litres combined.”

On her maiden voyage to Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays, Carpe Diem’s new owners will leave their itinerary in the capable hands of Captain Will and the meals and messy stuff to Stewardess Michelle. “It’s all about leisure,” says Young.

“Our owners want to unwind completely; they want to forget work and share quality time with their families. More than ever before, quality time is everything. That’s the Longreef motto: effortless luxury. With an emphasis on the effortless.”

longreefyachts.com