Break with convention

BREAK WITH CONVENTION

Pushing the boundaries in terms of composite construction and intelligent design, the CLX96 SAV represents the ultimate yacht for modern explorers by encouraging them to live on board in their own authentic way

by Bryony McCabe - ph Lightseed Studio

While the CLX96 SAV’s aggressive and angular profile reflects her sturdy workboat capabilities, CL Yachts’ flagship is a new iteration of vessel incomparable to any other. The SAV acronym stands for Sea Activity Vessel and beholds a unique meaning for each individual owner depending on how they want to live on board.

The key to encompassing all possible lifestyles within one model was creating an immensely capable yacht that rethinks traditional yacht design. To achieve this, CL Yachts looked outside the industry for the exterior and interior design to renowned product designer Jozeph Forakis. “They gave me a clean slate to conceive a new vision for the yacht of today and tomorrow,” comments Forakis. “With in-depth research methodologies and a focus on intelligent design, complementing my passion for sailing and an ‘outsiders’’ imagination and dreams, the result is a vessel that departs from convention.” While her double-reverse-angle profile and iconic wing-like flybridge bulwark are visually distinctive, these elements were born from a holistic reconsideration of the way owners live on board and informed by precise structural principles. As such, the CLX96 is characterised by flowing indoor and outdoor spaces. Unprecedented amounts of light flood the interiors thanks to oversized windows throughout.

The main deck features trifold doors to starboard that open the midships area to the side deck and bulwark cutaway, creating a seemingly alfresco dining area in the heart of the living space. This area blends seamlessly with the comfortable aft saloon and forward

galley with island and Champagne lounge – the perfect spot for cocktails or nature-watching.

The indoor-outdoor living continues on the upper deck, with the enclosed helm and sky lounge forward offering shade and climatecontrolled comfort connected to a huge aft sundeck. Forward of the pilot house, Forakis has created an additional deck space for sun loungers and, on the foredeck, there is a circular aperitif lounge that converts into a giant sunbed. Aft, the generous swim platform emulates a beach club, with the Z-lift extension not only easing tender launching but also creating an additional terrace at water level. With accommodation encompassing four guest cabins including a vast master suite, the interiors are luxurious but considered. The materials, finishes, and colours are restricted, giving a sense of continuity throughout and emphasizing the amount of daylight in each space. Through seamless surfaces, subtle curves, and flowing planes, Forakis reminds those on board that they are on a vessel meant to transport them through space and time towards the future.

The CLX96 is not just a design masterpiece, however, she is also an engineering feat. The SAV concept demands big viewing areas requiring an abundance of glass, leaving the amount of real estate for structure limited. Furthermore, in keeping with SAV requirements for speed and range, the composite structure needed to be as light and strong as possible. By pushing the boundaries of composite building, the CLX96 embodies her Sea Activity Vessel rationale. www.clyachts.com

Above right, the Z-lift extension eases tender launching while also creating an additional terrace on the water. Below, the main deck’s open-plan living space is characterised by indoor-outdoor living. Opposite page, her aggressive and angular profile recalls the purpose and agility of hardy workboats. Opening page, the foredeck features a circular aperitif lounge that converts into a giant sunbed

Above, the indooroutdoor feeling continues in the master suite forward with a skylight over the king-size bed and, below right, a virtual skylight in the full-beam midships VIP cabin.Opposite page, top, natural light floods the interiors thanks to the oversized windows and the comfortable aft saloon flows seamlessly into the dining area and country-style galley.

Below, the champagne lounge provides the perfect spot for cocktails or nature-watching