Yacht Class n°25 (june-july-august 2021)

Maiora – Fipa Group

In the 30 to 50 metre segment, Fipa Group’s Maiora shipyard strengthened its position with the launch of the 35 Exuma last year. This trendy crossover is attracting attention for her exterior design, interior layout, innovations and performance.

Written by: Alain Brousse – Photos: All rights reserved

Fipa Group is well established in the yachting world with three brands. Firstly with a range of flybridge yachts from 20 to 50 metres, Maiora, then another known for its high performance units (50 knots and more) AB Yachts from 58 to 166 feet and, finally, through semi-custom models with steel hulls and aluminium superstructures, from 24 to 80 metres, under the name CBI Navi. Last year, at the opening of the Genoa boat show, Maiora’s management invited us to take a look at the gangway of their latest model, the 35 Exuma that is coming onto the market after the two Maiora 30, Convertible and Walkaround, which were reportedly very successful… Let’s focus on this newcomer and let’s admit that she does not go unnoticed with her exterior design, which has a certain originality and is signed by Quatrostile, in close collaboration with the Italian group’s internal office. A touch of crossover is immediately noticeable, and without even dwelling on her imposing superstructure, we can guess at her potential in terms of habitability. We are dealing with a modern yacht obviously designed for cruising, preferably in comfort. It’s up to us to find out.

140 m2 of exterior space!

Honour to the stern and its unique “theatrical” staircase covering practically the entire width and part of which lifts up onto a garage dedicated to a small 3.50 m tender or a jet-ski, the main tender, 6.50 m long, being housed in another garage accessible by the port side. The hydraulic bathing platform will act as a beach club for up to four deckchairs. Seven steps up we reach the cockpit and its 48 m2, a good surface to install a table with a capacity of ten guests and to live moments, why not delectable; in any case the place is suitable. This space is protected by the flybridge deck terrace, which forms a rigid canopy. And if the sun is out, head for the foredeck (42 m2) and its outdoor lounge which, as it should be, is transformed into a solarium. A popular spot for sailing in fine weather or during stopovers, sheltered from the curious on the port quay. The Maiora 35 Exuma has one last, but not least, outdoor feature: the 47 m2 flybridge terrace, easily accessible via the starboard staircase from the cockpit. It can be fitted with a lounge and a few deckchairs to act as a solarium, for example. This terrace is the continuation of the interior volume of the flybridge.

A high standard of finish

In fact, the flybridge offers a very bright interior space that is completely open to the stern, towards the terrace, and offers an opening roof. There is a table and ten chairs for a “big” family meal, as well as a sofa and an armchair on the starboard side (for four people), not forgetting the “dominant” wheelhouse, as it is placed at the highest level. There is also a wheelhouse at the very front of the main deck, which also has a view of more than 180 degrees and a well-designed steering console for a competent captain. For some sailors the position of the latter, a few metres from the bow, can be an asset. One thing is certain, it is totally isolated as it is accessible from the crew area, which is fitted out in the bow and offers: two cabins each with two bunk beds and a toilet area with shower, a cabin with a double bed for the captain and finally a mess with a kitchen unit. For the preparation of the passengers’ meals, let’s go up one level to the main deck and discover what is called a professional kitchen with the appropriate equipment to concoct gastronomic dishes. In the version visited, the family dining area is located in the fly lounge, but there is nothing to stop the shipowner from deciding that the main deck lounge area should be equipped with this furniture to allow ten guests to dine. The Genoa model had a lounge area (ten people) on the port side and two armchairs and a table for games (four people) on the starboard side. Let’s not leave the main deck without having walked on the floor of the master (33 m2) with its king size bed and its two bathrooms (Madame and Monsieur), each with its own washbasin, independent shower and toilet. The shipowner couple will enjoy a great sea view from each side, due to the large size of the side windows. The guests will be guided to the upper deck and will share four cabins (two VIP and two guest) with a bathroom for each.

Outstanding performance

Here is the last chapter on this 35 metre boat that, we are sure, will appeal to performance enthusiasts… The Maiora 35 Exuma hides three diesels Caterpillar C32 Acert type in her engine room, more prosaically three 1 925 hp, each coupled to a MIP waterjet propulsion system. As we were unable to test this Maiora due to very unfavourable weather conditions, we will trust the shipyard, which has announced a maximum speed of 35 knots, a speed capable of “shortening distances”.