David Glenn's blog
Web log entry dated 23 November 2006
A Gap in the Market?
Details of two interesting super-cruisers have landed on my electronic desk recently. First there's the Xamura 40 - that's 40m or 131ft - described as an expedition cruising ketch.
She's been developed by two experienced yachtsmen, one of whom is George Nicholson whose experience in the large yacht industry and particularly in connection with charter must be second to none.
His brochure describes the idea behind the yacht like this. "Both owners are at an age where, whilst still extremely active, appreciate their home comforts, which they now intend to take with them when cruising."
He makes the point that personal privacy will be an important feature of the concept. "Owner/crew proximity can be irritating for both groups," says the blurb.
Naval architecture for the Xamura 40, which is already under construction in Turkey, is by Studio Scanu. She's pleasingly conservative in appearance with an almost throwback look about her. My initial reaction was that she looked a bit under-canvassed but I am assured that this is not the case. She is certainly a refreshing change from some of the ultra-modern designs that come our way.
Also about to begin building in Turkey is the 92ft Ron Holland-designed Kestrel for a group of Northern Irish and Scottish investors. They say: "We wanted to recreate the inspirational magic of an old campaign once run by Jaguar for its Mark V11, V111 and 1X models - 'Grace, Space and Pace', but in our case the other way round Space, Pace and Grace."
Peter Cooke of Kestrel Superyachts Ltd who plan to sell 'a number' of the 92s said: "We decided to commission the design of a new 92ft superyacht to fill what we feel is a conspicuous gap in the market - a boat that works for all the family for their holidays, not just for the keen sailors amongst them."
There certainly looks to be bags of space and in terms of grace Kestrel say: "…an attractive classic style, somewhat reminiscent of some of the sail powered trading vessels of the 19th and 20th centuries." As far as pace is concerned we'll have to wait and see.
I hope to publish more details about these two interesting yachts in an upcoming issue of Yachting World.
David Glenn
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