Yacht Class n°19 (dec 2019/jan-feb 2020)

Columbus-Palumbo Superyachts

No doubt, the brand’s 80-metre flagship is compelling. She offers generous indoor and outdoor spaces, where comfort is the keyword. Obviously, it’s a matter of taste, but the contemporary decoration leaves no one indifferent.

Written by: Alain Brousse – Photos : A.Cocchi et G.Baroni

The Columbus brand is part of Palumbo Superyachts Group, which also owns: ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, Extra, plus also a major refit and repair network relying on five yards, including one in Marseille. We were familiar with the Columbus M/Y Eleonora III (40 m), the K (40 m), Prima (54 m) and Taiba (57m). And then, the Italian yard raised the bar by unveiling its largest yacht yet at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show: the Dragon 80 metre. The gross tonnage – 2 300 GT – speaks for itself and bodes, a priori, significant volumes and an unequalled habitability. This five-deck, with its almost “grandiose” superstructures, displays an undeniably elegant look penned by yard’s design office and Sergio Cutolo’s Hydro Tec studio. Such a profile will definitely catch the eyes of exterior design enthusiasts. As for us, we could not linger admiring it, as crossing the gangway became an imperative need. Once onboard, the tone was set: her volumes are impressive, starting with the cockpit, whose U-shaped sofa can seat about twenty (!) passengers. Even more stunning is the 200 m2 beach club, with its essential opening transom and its fold-out side platforms, directly connected to a sauna, a Turkish bath and a bar. Amidships on starboard, just forward the engine room, is located a side-loading garage for two tenders (a 9.50 m and a 7 m). The lower deck also accommodates a massage parlour with balcony, a top-of-the-range galley and the crew area with no less than nine cabins for 25 members.
Such a unit requires indeed great attention and qualified personnel. As for her owner, he would expect nothing less than an exclusively dedicated deck. He actually enjoys the upper deck and its 120 m2 master bedroom with a bow-oriented king size bed and a 200-degree panoramic view. And don’t forget the eye-catching travertine-clad bathroom. This princely “den” also features a Portuguese bridge with an outdoor lounge. From there, a couple of stairs lead to the flush teak foredeck that can serve as a helipad or as an idleness area thanks to ten deckchairs and parasols! This deck also offers an indoor living area with a dedicated bar and an aft terrace with a dining table that can accommodate fourteen guests. Let’s climb to the highest point, the sundeck. There the yard easily fitted a seven-metre swimming pool, with a blade waterfall, in addition to a wellness area requested by the owner. Now, let’s take a look at the main deck layout. Its first asset is the impressive living area of 350 m2, decorated without extravagance by the architect and designer Francesco Guida, who is not against luxury provided it remains discreet. This was evident when strolling through this volume generously lit by large windows. Upon leaving this place, we directly discovered a circular foyer highlighting a round and transparent splendid lift which serves five of the six levels. 
Continuing toward the bow, this deck hosts four double en suite cabins (4 x 23 m2) with dressing room, then a VIP divided in two areas (20 m2 sleeping area and 22 m2 private lounge). The bow houses two garages, one on portside for three jet skis and the other on starboard for the rescue tender. With her displacement hull and twin MTU 3 004 hp diesel engines, the Dragon 80m will hit a maximum speed of 17 knots. And thanks to a large fuel capacity, she can boast a 6 200 miles range. She’s got some ocean cruising to do!