MCY 76 Skylounge: Raising the Game

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The MCY 76 Skylounge debuted late last year

When the MCY 76 Skylounge world premiere was held at the 61st Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show late last year, Monte Carlo Yachts was showcasing its biggest Skylounge model so far, following the 70 version whose first unit into Asia was sold in Hong Kong by Asia Yachting earlier this year.

The newest Skylounge model is based on the new MCY 76, which is the Italian builder’s newest open flybridge model and had its global debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2019.

The Skylounge version is based on the new MCY 76

Furthermore, the new MCY 76 is the updated version of the first-ever model launched by Monte Carlo Yachts, in 2010, and the biggest of the Monfalcone yard’s three ‘second generation’ flybridge models unveiled two years ago.

“The MCY 76 is among the best-selling models in Monte Carlo Yachts’ history and definitely the most iconic one, having been a game changer on the market since the first debut,” says Sergio Loiacono, Monte Carlo Yachts’ Sales and Marketing Director.

The foredeck offers large seating and sunbathing areas, and adjustable tables

Before profiling the MCY 76 Skylounge, it’s worth looking at the yacht it’s based on. Like the entire Monte Carlo Yachts range, the original and new MCY 76 models were designed by Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard of Nuvolari Lenard, whose headquarters is just a 90-minute drive from Monfalcone.

For all second-generation models – which also include the MCY 66 and 70 – new hulls, decks, layouts and superstructures were developed to increase floor area on all three decks, including notably enlarged flybridges. On the lower deck, new propulsion systems and the integration of fuel tanks into the hull created significantly more space.

The only helm station is in the enclosed flybridge

There was also a large increase in natural light created by larger windows and other means such as lowering furniture, with many of the changes reflecting client feedback over the previous years.

SKYLOUNGE WORLD

The Skylounge models were designed to be able to be used year-round. The most obvious difference is the flybridge, most of which is enclosed so adds another indoor area that can be used in inclement weather. The 197sqft enclosed flybridge offers great headroom of 2.02m, creating a luxurious feeling of space that’s replicated in the main-deck interior (2.05m) and the owner’s suite (2.00m).

The enclosed flybridge features large windows and openable skylights

Made of carbon-fibre for its weight, strength and durability, the enclosed flybridge benefits from enormous windows and large, openable skylights, which increase the natural light and allow fresh air when wanted, an appealing option day or night.

The Skylounge was first announced as a model targeted primarily at the US, where sportfisher designs are popular. However, the design also holds appeal in some Asian yachting markets such as Hong Kong, where it can drop to single-degree temperatures for a couple of weeks a year, while the long, hot summers are incredibly humid and there’s a lot of heavy rain.

The area can be configured as an office, studio, lounge, children’s room or entertainment room

However, the Skylounge’s appeal in this region is also due to the extra privacy afforded by an upper deck that can be freely customised, like most interior areas on an MCY yacht. The owner of hull one, on show at Fort Lauderdale, uses the enclosed flybridge as an office, but it’s just one among a wealth of options such as a second saloon, an office, playroom or cinema.

“The Skylounge is ideal for cold weather but also for hot climates, as the enclosed flybridge offers an additional air-conditioned area, protected from the elements, that can be enjoyed all year round,” says Loiacono, who formerly worked in Asia.

The aft terrace is 60 per cent larger than on the MCY 70 Skylounge

“However, it’s not only a matter of extending the boating season. The enclosed flybridge offers further possibilities of increasing privacy and multiplying the living experiences. It’s a large, customisable entertainment area that can be turned into the owner’s private studio, a playroom or a second saloon with inspiring 360-degree views over the horizon, perfect for relaxing moments.”

The flybridge offers an outdoor aft terrace, which is accessed through sliding glass doors and can fit an open-air galley and loose furniture. This area, for one, is notably larger than on the MCY 70 Skylounge.

The aft terrace has seating and an outdoor galley

Another notable difference between the two Skylounge models is the position of the flybridge’s internal staircase, which is aft on the 70 and forward on the 76.

EXPANDED MAIN-DECK OPTIONS

The Skylounge’s second major difference from the standard range is that it has just one helm station, in the enclosed flybridge, which allows for significantly more social space in the main-deck interior and clear views all the way forward.

The wide cockpit is one of the four main outdoor areas

The main deck is proposed in two layouts – galley aft, as seen on hull one, and galley forward. Galley-aft offers a direct link from the galley to the aft cockpit, which shares the same design as on the standard MCY 76. A curved sofa, large dining table and space for loose chairs makes it a popular place for dining, as well as a hub before and after swimming and watersports.

The galley-aft layout creates space for not one but two lounges. As well as a lounge forward of the galley, with portside seating facing the TV to starboard, there’s a second lounge further forward and up a step, offering great views.

The main deck can be designed galley aft (pictured) or forward

The C-shaped sofa can be used as a coffee or cocktail corner when the table is folded and set low, or a dining area when the table is raised and expanded.

The other proposed layout uses the raised forward area for the galley, with a formal dining table midships and saloon aft, although owners can create their own arrangement.

The galley-aft layout allows for a lounge in the middle of the interior space

“The main deck offers many customisation possibilities and the configuration chosen by the first owner is just one example,” Loiacono says.

“There’s also a galley-forward layout, while others can be designed with the client to reflect their different needs and desires, as there are very few structural limits. In Asia, we could expect requests to customise the decks with business or entertainment options.”

The forward area can be used as a second saloon cum dining area

In the bow, there’s the iconic MCY foredeck featuring a central passageway flanked by huge sunbathing areas on each side around semi-circular teak tables. For outdoor dining, the tables can be electrically raised and then connected to form a large table, while a bimini can be set up for shade.

FURTHER FLEXIBILITY

Lower-deck plans are the same as on the MCY 76 and it’s a great layout for both guests and crew. The main-deck stairs to the guest cabins are forward to starboard and descend to a hallway that leads aft to the full-beam master suite, which is situated midships.

The owner’s suite has a 2m-high ceiling and many options for the furniture

It has a forward-facing bed in the centre, with the brand’s signature overlapping portholes on each side offering views and lots of light. Furniture on both sides of the cabin can be customised and options include sets of drawers, sofas and desks cum vanity tables. Aft of the bed is the en-suite bathroom to port and a walk-in wardrobe to starboard.

The hallway leads forward to guest cabins on either side – each with two sliding single beds – and a VIP in the bow, all with en-suites. One of the most remarkable areas is the crew quarters, forward of the engine room and accessed by stairs from the starboard side deck. The default crew layout offers single cabins on both sides and a shared bathroom.

On hull one, the owner extended the walk-in wardrobe for more storage and a laundry area

However, even the crew quarters can be customised. On hull one, the owner extended his walk-in wardrobe aft – in place of the starboard crew cabin – for more storage and hanging space, and a laundry area. Other options for the crew quarters include a double cabin, bathroom, laundry and storage, or a twin-bunk cabin, bathroom, dinette and galley, which could prove popular in Asia.

As well as customisable layouts on all three decks, there’s a vast array of options for décor, furniture, furnishings, fabrics, marbles and mosaics. These include all of those offered at Nuvolari Lenard, where the extensive menu of exclusive materials on offer reflects the studio’s decades of creating custom-designed superyachts and megayachts for some of the world’s wealthiest yacht owners.

The master cabin’s en-suite bathroom

Typically, clients or prospects visiting the Monfalcone shipyard would also visit the designers’ studio, so during recent restrictions on travel, Monte Carlo Yachts has had to work hard to maintain this option.

“Luckily and thanks to a lot of organisation, we’ve been able to offer this unique experience to our main customers despite the different restrictions,” Loiacono says. “We’ve also organised remote visits and calls to involve the clients in the design process and set direct meetings with Dan and Carlo.”

The VIP suite in the bow

MCY models may be best known for their design inside and out, and the widespread customisation options, but the yachts also pack some serious hardware and technology. The MCY 76 Skylounge is offered with either two 1,550hp or 1,650hp MAN V12s, with the latter fitted on hull one and able to propel the yacht to an impressive top speed of 30 knots. The fuel and freshwater capacities are both 25 per cent larger than on the 70.

The large hi-lo swim platform can accommodate 800kg and carry a tender up to about 13ft (4m), which typically weighs 400kg or less. It’s an alternative to the garage, which can instead be converted to a storage and beach area. However, the real fun is choosing how you want each deck to look and be used.