Following the launch of the F//Line 33 in 2019, Fairline’s introduction of the Phantom 65 late final yr represents the Oundle shipyard’s second new sequence in three years. Whereas the F//Line 33 supplies a horny providing within the luxurious dayboat sector, the primary Phantom is a smooth sportsfly that acts as a bridge between the model’s Targa 65 GT cruiser and full-flybridge Squadron 68.
All three share the identical hull, though the Phantom 65 is most just like the Targa 65, with the addition of a sportsbridge-style higher deck and a staircase from the cockpit. It shares virtually the identical layouts on the principle and decrease decks, but is distinguished by Fairline’s contemporary inside décor seen on the upgraded Squadron 68 and to be included on different new fashions.
Simpson Marine delivered one of many first hulls of the brand new Squadron 68 to Thailand final yr, whereas a Phantom 65 for Hong Kong marks the primary unit in Asia for the reason that mannequin premiered on the Cannes Yachting Competition final September and was displayed on the Genoa Worldwide Boat Present then Boot Dusseldorf’s return in January.
Fairline was proud to announce that the newcomer outperformed predictions throughout sea trials when fitted with the optionally available 1,622mhp Cat C32s. A high pace of 35 knots was anticipated, however hull one reached 37 knots with full water, gas and a young on board, then topped 38 knots throughout later media sea trials.
“It’s no less than two knots sooner than predicted, however whereas high pace is sweet, it’s extra vital for us to see a rise within the quick cruising pace, as a result of that’s what homeowners need,” says Chris Gore, Fairline’s Head of Gross sales for EMEIA (Europe, Center East, India and Africa) and Asia-Pacific.
“The sportfly market has grown massively and a whole lot of orders for the Phantom have been by Targa homeowners. The Phantom’s flybridge house and among the new options, just like the prolonged VIP suite, rework the expertise, with out going to a full flybridge. We’ve tried to maintain it as smooth as potential.”
Phantom Comes Again to Life
The Phantom 65 is Fairline’s first sportsfly providing, however it’s not the primary time the builder has used the identify. In 1974, the launch of the Phantom 32 led to a variety that was produced for over 40 years. The present Phantom 65 relies on its Targa sister ship, so many of the out of doors and indoor furnishings retains the distinctive angular corners and diagonal sides.
Nonetheless, there are a number of upgrades, changes and new choices on the brand new mannequin, the place the aft platform has a 400kg-lifting capability and the storage can home a Williams 345 SportJet, in comparison with house for the 325 TurboJet on the Targa 65.
The storage door incorporates a helpful fold-out bench and there’s a lift-up flap for a bathe, whereas the starboard steps increase as much as permit entry right into a single crew cabin with a slide-out mattress.
Symmetrical staircases result in a teak-floored cockpit that options a big island sunpad for 2 to 3 individuals, a part of a moulded construction that additionally features a forward-facing couch flanked on either side by 45-degree ‘corners’.
To starboard is an L-shaped sofa and an angular folded desk that may fold out into a bigger, triangular desk linking each sofas. When wanted, low stools saved within the saloon can be utilized across the cockpit desk.
On the foredeck, the Phantom replicates the Targa’s distinctive horseshoe design, with a C-shaped couch extending ahead on either side to sunbathing areas flanking a centreline walkway. A central desk and drinks holders on the edges and within the aft corners provide loads of house for drinks and snacks.
Nonetheless, it’s the sportsfly deck that distinguishes this mannequin and Fairline has executed an ideal job, managing to disguise a surprisingly roomy flybridge throughout the exterior’s sporty, curvy strains. Of curiosity to homeowners in Asia, Fairline affords the choice of a bimini that may cowl virtually the whole sportsbridge and fold away neatly by the low-set windscreen.
In comparison with a whole lot of sportfly fashions based mostly on present sport cruiser fashions, the flybridge on the Phantom 65 may be very spacious. It begins aft with a full-width L-shaped couch and a foldable desk, an space that might simply sit six individuals. The port finish of the couch has a scalloped form, so can be utilized as a chaise lounge.
On the port aspect is a two-panel moist bar with grill, sink, fridge and icemaker, whereas ahead is a C-shaped couch that may be crammed in with cushions to create a full-length double sunpad.
The dual-seat helm to port — which permits the skipper to look again down the steps — has an adjustable/tilt wheel with powered steering, permitting responsive, fingertip management. There are two Garmin screens plus a smaller GPSMAP touchscreen by the wheel, the place there’s additionally a helpful little locker for electronics and a USB cable for charging a telephone.
New-Look Inside
Except for the flybridge, the largest distinction in comparison with the Targa 65 is the contemporary inside decor. Structurally, there’s the same indoor-outdoor really feel, as the principle door slides beneath the flybridge stairs to port and the starboard window drops out of sight to create an virtually utterly open aft entrance.
In addition to oak flooring inside, the unit we seen featured satin walnut woodwork, whereas the builder affords different choices by its in-house studio working in collaboration with Salt Design, which was based in 2020 by Andrew Pope after he spent virtually 25 years with Fairline.
On the principle deck, most woodwork is barely used as much as waist peak, akin to within the open, J-shaped galley to port. The complete-height fridge-freezer illustrates this, that includes fluted doorways — darkish walnut on the underside door and a light-weight color on the highest door, matching the white marble countertop and overhead storage above the cooking space to port.
The eating space to starboard has a C-shaped couch, unfastened stools and a fixed-height eating desk that may fold out on either side. The desk seems to be higher folded out, because it reveals the matching grain of adjoining wenge leaves and a stunning central strip of pure quilted maple.
A six-inch step leads as much as the saloon, which is visually distinguished by natural-fibre carpeting and light-weight, textured upholstery. Furnishings features a C-shaped couch and an angular, glass-topped espresso desk to port dealing with a two-seat couch to starboard. Pure mild from the massive aspect home windows is supplemented by a gap sunroof that includes three glass panels.
To starboard, the helm station has two fixed-height helm seats on high of a storage cupboard and affords views by way of a one-piece windscreen. The console contains three Garmin displays, GPSMAP and a shallow locker with engine controls and hooks for keychains. As on the brand new Squadron 68, the Phantom 65 affords a aspect door, which may show a preferred choice.
The saloon options Garmin’s Fusion® Apollo audio system and audio system, that are additionally current within the aft cockpit, sportbridge and master bedroom. A Sonos improve is offered.
Rooms to Select
Accessed by the carpeted ahead staircase, the decrease deck relies on the Targa 65 and features a full-beam master bedroom midships, versatile twin cabin to starboard and VIP within the bow. Nonetheless, there’s now extra flexibility because the port aspect can be utilized as a fourth cabin, utility room, day head or the en-suite rest room (with day head entry) for an prolonged VIP suite.
There’s a pleasant continuity of design as all cabin doorways function a mid-height, horizontal strip of quilted maple, as featured within the indoor eating desk.
Down three steps that additionally result in a washer-drier within the corridor, the main bedroom has a king-sized mattress with slim bedside tables, that are large enough because the lamps are fastened to the aft bulkhead. To port is a settee, ahead is a TV with fluted panelling above and beneath, whereas to starboard is a big bureau with drawers on either side of an arrogance desk.
The starboard space leads aft to a nook dressing room with a full-height, L-shaped storage. The en-suite rest room occupies the remainder of the beam aft of the bed room and the cabinetry options the angular design seen elsewhere on the yacht, whereas the bathe features a fastened bench seat.
The starboard visitor cabin has twin beds that may be electrically transformed right into a double, whereas a mattress size mirror on the port bulkhead will increase pure mild and the sensation of house. Ahead is a full-height wardrobe and en-suite rest room. An angled TV could be fitted on the aft aspect of the cabinet.
The usual VIP suite has an aft-facing double, cabinets on either side and en-suite to port. Within the prolonged VIP format, the bed room door is to port, the place there’s rest room entry and a protracted storage cupboard. On the foot of the mattress is an arrogance desk with giant bulkhead mirror beside a Samsung TV with fluted panelling above and beneath.
Fairline is in a contented place proper now, ramping up its manufacturing by about 60 per cent final yr to meet up with a powerful order guide for fashions ranging in measurement from the F//Line 33 to the 2 massive newcomers: the Phantom 65 and upgraded Squadron 68.
Subsequent up is the Squadron 58 that includes two cockpit balconies and the Targa 40 cruiser with a drop-down starboard bulwark, set to debut at this September’s Cannes Yachting Competition and Boot Dusseldorf in January 2024 respectively. Nonetheless, the Phantom 65 is presently Fairline’s latest mannequin and the pioneer of a sportsbridge sequence that matches seamlessly into the model’s portfolio.
“There was a unbelievable response to the Phantom 65 so we’re actually comfortable,” Gore says. “Fairline’s section is the 30-70ft vary, and we don’t must push exterior of that; we simply must maintain being actually good at what we do.”
This text first appeared on Yacht Fashion.
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