Photo by Fairline Yachts
A Rolls-Royce for the water, complete with the gorgeous wooden dash.
England is probably best known for Big Ben, The Beatles, and of course, the Queen.
But the region of Northamptonshire offers something for us mariners too, because this is where the high-speed cruisers of Fairline Yachts are conceived. And now that fleet includes the new Squadron 70, the latest addition to a range that stretches from 55 to 78 feet.
Shown for the first time at the London International Boat show in January, the Squadron 70 combines speed (41 mph, says Fairline) with a level of comfort designed to satisfy the most demanding owner. Perhaps her most notable feature is the large teak swim platform, previously only found on her sistership, the Squadron 78 Custom. Push a button and it lowers hydraulically, making launch and retrieval of a tender easier while also providing ready access to the water.
In the Squadron 70’s all-teak cockpit there are several stowage lockers as well as an entrance to both the crew’s quarters (two twin berths and a head with a teak-and-holly sole) and engine room. From here, a stainless steel sliding door leads to the saloon, which features an L-shape settee to port facing a large LCD TV and Loewe Auro entertainment system. To port the galley is adjacent to the saloon and open. Besides plenty of cabinetry, you’ll find a stovetop, microwave oven, refrigerator, and freezer. Countertops are Avonite, chosen for its easy maintenance.
The lower helm, forward and to starboard, includes a standard Recaro seat that adjusts electronically. Other features here include a chart table, complete Raymarine electronics package, and port-side breakfast bar with two barstools.
Below decks and amidships, the master stateroom offers lots of natural light thanks to three portrait windows on each side. A king-size berth, bench-style settee to starboard, and LCD TV with CD/DVD player round out the amenities here. There’s plenty of stowage space plus a safe for passports and cash, and the ensuite head features a teak-and-holly sole. To starboard are guest accommodations offering twin berths with stowage underneath as well as drawers and two closets. This room can be ordered as an office with a desk and a Pullman berth.
The other guest cabin, to port, has two twin berths and shares a head with the large forepeak VIP. Here, natural light is provided by a starboard port as well as a large hatch complete with flyscreen and shade. The mattress is queen-size, with stowage beneath, and there’s plenty of closet space and drawers.
On the flying bridge you’ll find a dining area with a teak table to port, wet bar with refrigerator, ice maker, and grill. Owners can outfit the area aft for either sunbathing or PWC stowage with a crane.
Fairline, (954) 525-7430.
LOA x Beam: 72’9″ x 17’9″
Weight (dry): 71,840 lbs.
Draft: 4’9″
Tankage (gal.): Fuel: 1,068, Water: 286
Std. Power: 2/1,572-mhp Caterpillar C32s
Cabins: 1master, 3 guest w/ 5 berths
Base Price: $2,034,038
This article originally appeared in the March 2009 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.
