Fast Cruise Takes Off
A new luxury fast motor yacht, built by one of Britain's largest power boat manufacturers, made its first public appearance at the Southampton Boat Show.
Sweeping through the water, the sophisticated Fairline Squadron 65, seen here going through its paces at Southampton, was one of three new boats to be "launched" by the company at the show. It joins a fleet of 11 different models, all built by draftsmen at the firm's workshops in eastern England.
The top-of-the-range 65 is the latest and largest of the company's Squadron series, seen as its "Admirals of the Fleet".
Designed for long-range luxury cruising, the boat is 20.37m in overall length, and 19.81m in hull length, with a 5.28m beam.
Performance varies according to engine size. For example, two 1100 hp marine diesels the maximum size suggested by the designers give a speed of 35 knots.
One of the main features of the new model is the telescopic passerelle; a boarding ladder which is stowed under the cockpit floor.
Apart from the four Squadron models, the company also builds a range of sleek, sporty, open-cockpit cruisers known as Targas, and a series of flybridge yachts called Phantoms, for stylish family cruising. A new model in each of these ranges was also introduced at Southampton.
