CLX96 close to completion

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The CLX96 nears completion at CL Yachts

The first CLX96 from CL Yachts is entering the final stages of construction as it nears its expected launch date in July, before later heading to the US for its world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 27-31). Billed as a ‘Sea Activity Vessel’ (SAV), the superyacht’s design was profiled in Yacht Style Issue 57 (Jan-Feb 2021).

The Hong Kong-headquartered builder is scheduled to launch the Jozeph Forakis-designed Sea Activity Vessel (SAV) in the third quarter of 2021.

The completion of the first CLX96 will be a landmark moment for CL Yachts, as the model embodies a new direction for the family-owned company.

CL Yachts Director Martin Lo and CLX96 designer Jozeph Forakis; Photo: Lightseed Studio

Martin Lo, Director of CL Yachts, said: “CLX96 showcases the expert knowhow of CL Yachts and represents our brand value. To be competitive in today’s market, you need to be daring and we believe that the CLX96 is a bold challenge of the status quo in its category.”

Even before its launch, CLX96 has already received recognition, winning a Good Design Award and Bronze A’ Design Award, and was shortlisted by the International Yacht & Aviation Awards for its interior and exterior design.

Render of CLX96 designed by Jozeph Forakis

The SAV has been created from the ground-up in collaboration with international designer Jozeph Forakis, with structural engineering from Albert Horsmon and naval architecture from Earl Alfaro.

The yacht’s original design includes a ‘workboat chic’ two-level, reverse-angle deckhouse using inverted trapezoids that increase space as well as reduce glare and heat. The plumb bow further amplifies accommodation, while also increasing hydrodynamic efficiency.

The aft section of hull one

The main deck’s vast windows and bi-fold doors are echoed in the flybridge’s spectacular glazing with retractable windows on three sides, leading guests from the sky lounge and pilothouse to the sky deck alfresco dining area aft.

Other unique exterior social zones include the ‘Terrazza Portoghese’ forward of the sky lounge, the ‘Piazza del Sole’ seating and sunning area on the foredeck, and the expansive stern beach club at the waterline with its hydraulically-submerging swim platform.

Render of the hydraulic swim platform

CLX96’s RINA-classified FRP composite hull draws on CL Yachts’ experience in fibreglass construction, with a completely new mould created for the SAV.

Having been among pioneers in the use of fibreglass for boat building in the 1960s, CL Yachts assisted Lloyd’s Register in developing the guidelines for its use, creating quality standards that form the basis of rules still used today by classification societies.

Profile of the plumb bow and reverse-angled deckhouse

CL Yachts believes in smart engineering with an ethos of ‘strategic optimisation’ for increased stiffness and lightness, so its vessels can sail further and faster. This approach results in a considered combination of composite materials that enhances the performance and comfort of a vessel, using fiberglass, E-glass and carbon-fibre.

The Terrazza Portoghese is forward of the pilothouse on the flybridge

With over six decades’ experience of building in composite materials and by choosing leading structural engineering partners, CL Yachts has an innate understanding of how to create robust and reliable vessels, instilling confidence when navigating in even the toughest of conditions.

Using Finite Element Analysis, the company can provide some of the highest strength-to-weight ratios for full construction in the production yacht industry. Combining this high strength, stiffness, optimum weight control and seaworthy hulls, CL Yachts delivers performance, comfort and efficiency throughout the entire speed range.

The foredeck or ‘Piazza del Sole’

In keeping with CL Yachts’ reputation for dependability and practicality, all technical plans for CLX96 have been laid out in a clean, serviceable manner.

CLX96 offers a predicted top speed of 27 knots and cruising speed of 22 knots, powered by twin Caterpillar C32 engines, alongside the seaworthiness that CL Yachts’ parent company is renowned for.

The flexible Piazza del Sole on the foredeck is a signature exterior space

“CLX96 SAV is the crossover yacht that meets the needs of today’s owners head-on. You get a good range, excellent top and cruising speeds, plenty of space and the possibility to enjoy mini expeditions to wherever your heart desires,” says Lo.

“We are excited to see hull one of this series completed soon to show what CL Yachts can achieve with this remarkable package.”

The interior is focused on “simplicity and enjoyment”

The interior is designed to be “reminiscent of a time when yachting was about simplicity and enjoyment rather than an attempt to bring a lavish, land-based home to the water”. The relaxed, open-plan main deck interior features a convivial galley with sit-up bar and a bank of sofas, as well as a lounge and dining area that feel inviting and fresh.

The four guest cabins – plus two for crew – on the lower deck are spacious and bright thanks to large windows and high ceilings. The master suite’s real skylight is paralleled by the VIP suite’s virtual skylight, which receives a feed from an on-deck camera to a display screen embedded above the VIP king-size bed.

A bar, open galley and second lounge are forward

“Rather than being flashy and obvious, the SAV will appeal to understated and discerning buyers who appreciate the essence of a well-designed vessel that offers beauty from within as well as from the outside,” Lo said.

“CLX96 represents an effortless luxury that can only be provided by a space that is well laid out and organised. This is a yacht with substance, heart and soul built into it. It’s not just another pretty boat.

The master suite is among four large guest cabins

“To us, it’s the very definition of a modern explorer – both physically and spiritually – in the sense that it allows you to experience new things, taking you on a journey of self-exploration. We want to return the romance of yachting to today’s owners, who are educated and demanding.”

CL Yachts’ current models also include CLA76, CLB72 and CLB88, while the builder recently announced a new CLB65.