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

PALUMBO SUPERYACHTS – Extra

The irresistible appeal of the stern and its large relaxation area

By launching the 86 foot, Extra Yachts, a brand of Palumbo Superyachts, follows the trend, with a modern silhouette mixed with an Explorer style. This comfortable four cabin also offers a huge cockpit to better live the sea.

Written by Alain Brousse – Photos : All rights reserved

An expert won’t hesitate for long before naming the man behind the exterior design of this eye-catching 26 metre: Francesco Guida. Prior to providing his services to the Italian group Palumbo, the Italian designer had already worked in this style, characterized by a large stern forming like a terrace on the sea. Her modern superstructures are dynamics and reveal an inclination for the Explorer genre. And yet, she is fully dedicated to leisure times. Much-awaited at the last Cannes Yachting Festival, the 86 Fast, docked astern, provoked an irresistible urge to board in. All the more so as the hydraulic swim platform makes it really easy. Our first impression, once on board, was the generosity of her 6.80 m width, rare on a monohull of this size. Hence the extra space in the aft third part of the 86 Fast.

The efficiency of the Volvo IPS

Anyway, our priority was the sea trial, but not before paying a visit to the engine room where we discovered three aligned Volvo Penta IPS1350 (1 000 hp). Actually, the engineers of the Swedish engine manufacturer collaborated to the hull design, which is significantly different from those propelled by shaft and/or v-drives, to achieve optimal performance. Don’t forget that the 86 Fast weights 75 tons and that she needs all this power and especially the efficiency of the IPS twin counter-rotative propellers. We left the port and headed south with a full fresh water tank (1 500 l), the fuel tank (8 000 l) at 80% and about ten passengers. From the flybridge’s central helm station, the view is panoramic, on at least 200 degree. Once the Volvo at the right temperature, we looked up for the maximum speed: 2 400 rpm for 27 knots, which is very respectable but slightly below the 30 knots figure released by the yard. The hull, in the water for some time, should have be cleaned from the microalgae and micro-shells that strive to squat underwater sections, negatively affecting the gliding coefficient. On the efficiency curve, we retained 2 000 rpm, which corresponds to a 19.7 knots cruising speed and a 416 miles range. Long cruises enthusiasts should consider the optional larger fuel tank.

 A dream stern

Let’s head back to this cockpit which, together with the beach club, create an ideal terrace just above the water. The 3.45 m tender Williams is stored in some sort of garage under the vast solarium where can fit up to eight people. These same passengers can also take place at the cockpit table for an al fresco meal, protected by the flybridge, or in the exterior lounge that can be shaded by a canvas when sun’s rays are too strong. It offers a huge and very comfortable sofa for ten epicureans. This represents a total of nearly 60 m2 with a panoramic sea view. There is another location that should be popular: the foredeck. Also dedicated to relaxation, it offers a four-seater sofa and a sunbathing area covering a “jacuzzi”. As it is protected by a high bulwark, it is not reckless to consider settling there when navigating in calm weather and even in heavy seas. As for the flybridge’s enthusiasts, they will move up a level, provided they remember that the staircase is located in the galley… In terms of functionality, it could be better. The flybridge surface is limited – 30 m2 – and features aft, a lounge with sofa for six, a table and a kitchenette plus a sunbathing area for four to six people forward the helm station. Originally and for evident technical reasons, no hardtop was planned for this 86. Yet, it should be possible to install four stakes and a canvas to get some precious summer shade in summer.

 The interiors are sometimes surprising

From the flybridge, the staircase then leads directly to the main deck galley, which occupies most of the width, excluding the walkthrough. There, the Chef will cook facing the cockpit, only separated from the guest by a window operated by an automatic up/down system. Note that the owner can also opt for a one-way window. The standard version exhibited in Cannes had no dedicated dining room in the open-plan main deck, accessible via a small walkthrough on portside, but only a huge living room. However, the adjustable starboard table can become a very pleasant dining area. The saloon also features a semi-circular sofa on portside and a discreet forward helm station on starboard, perfectly blending into this living area illuminated by the natural light coming side bay windows. From the portside passageway, a staircase leads down to the lower deck of about 100 m2, which has allowed for an advantageous design: four passenger cabins amidships and two crew cabins (four berths) in the bow. At the foot of the staircase, we discover two identical twins, each en suite with an independent shower. The VIP cabin features an oblique bed whose head is placed against the portside plank, while on starboard a complete en suite offers an independent shower, sink, WC and bidet. As for the master, it offers nearly 20 m2 of comfort, with a distinct feature that may surprise : the low rectangular portholes, running along most of the cabin’s length, are located at the top of the hull plating. The sea can be seen when standing but not when lying on the bed, as the only view is on the lacquered panels of the many storage spaces.
Like many shipyards, Extra Yachts, a brand of Palumbo Superyachts, takes into consideration all the wishes of futures owners, provided they remain reasonable. Some aspects of this yacht are thus customizable. Two units are already under construction, one was actually sold on the eve of the Monaco Yacht Show.