New Floridian shipyard CL Yachts has enlisted renowned Italian designer Jozeph Forakis to pen his first yacht, the CLX96, which will be launched early next year.
In collaboration with naval architect Earl Alfaro, he styled a superyacht that mixes the rugged silhouette of a trawler with creative choices that maximise guest space and onboard comfort. Previously, he has designed everything from mobile phone accessories to home furniture.
Most notable on the new yacht is the trapezium-shaped profile of the superstructure, which stretches outwards to create a lengthy upper deck while also increasing space on the foredeck and cockpit.
The pilothouse amidships has large windows, a reverse-angled windscreen inspired by offshore ships and a movable bulkhead aft to create a marvellous 360-degree ocean view.
“I was born in a New York City loft, and I wanted to capture that sense of the limitless possibility of living in open spaces,” explains Forakis.
“I wanted the feeling of being on the ocean to follow you everywhere, inside and out. Of course, comfort is a priority on a luxury yacht – still, I want those onboard to always be aware that they are on a ‘ship’ built to transport them through space and time.”
Forward of the pilothouse is a ‘Portuguese Terrazza’ – an innovative extension of the traditional Portuguese bridge concept – with sun loungers. Meanwhile, aft, there’s a more intimate and kitted-out social space that has a BBQ overlooking the stern.
I wanted the feeling of being on the ocean to follow you everywhere, inside and out.
designer
The foredeck is home to the ‘Piazza del Sole’. The spacious spot has sunpads that can transform into a variety of furniture styles, such as a circular dining area with tables orbited by comfortable sofas.
Aft, the cockpit stays firmly in the shade to let guests cool off, and leads down the steps to an open and extendable swim platform.
Below deck, the yacht’s VIP cabins continue to immerse guests in wide ocean views and take up the full beam.
If you’re interested in buying a new yacht, the CLX96 will debut at FLIBS next year. Until then, you can get something similarly comfortable and innovative by seeing new and used superyachts for sale.
