Lexus has launched its first flagship yacht under the brand at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
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This luxury yacht was built in collaboration with US boatmaker, Marquis Yachts, and will use aspects of the legendary Toyota Production System for the project. Italian yacht design studio Nuvolari Lenard was also brought on board for the interiors.
The 65-foot LY 650 sports yacht will take design cues from the Lexus luxury car range, as evidenced by its use of metallic car paint, and a carbon fibre exterior inspired by some of Lexus' most stylish cars.
The exterior design features a pronounced bow and coupe-like roofline, with metallic accents and an optional two-tone colour scheme.
"The LY 650 is an embodiment of Lexus' challenge to go beyond the road to deliver the same fluid precision on water: a marriage between master craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation," says the company.
"When it all comes together, the result is an experience that transcends luxury."
The interior is the work of Italian design studio Nuvolari Lenard. The designers say that interiors of the LY 60 follow the Japanese concept of omotenashi, a unique approach to hospitality involving the anticipation of the needs and desires of guests. The use of a light colour scheme is aimed at creating a "sense of openness", combined with enveloping curved lines for a comfortable cruise.
The saloon is also outfitted with two comfortable captain's chairs and two integrated sofas, as well as a pop out widescreen tv.
High-level craftsmanship is apparent throughout the build of the LY 60, from the custom-finished wood trim to hand-sewn seat surfaces.
The full-beam owner's stateroom has sizable hull windows, moody lighting and eucalyptus wood finishes.
Three berths below deck each have more than 6 feet of headroom and a private bath with shower. The LY 60 will comfortably sleep six and accommodate up to 15.
Furthermore, the LY 650 exceptionally easy to drive and handle. The individually steerable IPS drives - controlled by joysticks - make for ultra-responsive handling control when manoeuvring, and will maintain outstanding stability in most sea conditions. It also allows owners to navigate in tight spaces, and perform tricky docking.
Onboard features are integrated from the helm to the propellers, delivering a seamless experience for the driver. The forward-facing, twin counter-rotating propellers are an integral part of the hull structure and yacht design. Built for performance, the LY 650 is driven by twin Volvo Penta IPS engines with a uniquely engineered underwater hull shape for high output and low fuel consumption.
"Volvo Penta IPS really compliments the exceptional craftsmanship of our yacht," Kenichi Nishida from Lexus said. "Not only does its compact design create more living space but the seamless integration of its features really brings that car-like feel to the water. It is truly designed for delivering the ultimate driving experience."
Despite a price tag starting at $3.6 million. Marquis Yachts has already sold three Lexus LY 650s, and a fourth is being built.
ALL SET FOR CABBAGE TREE CLASH
A record 67 yachts are expected to line-up for the Cabbage Tree Island Race tonight, November 8. The fourth race of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's Blue Water Pointscore Series, the race will prove invaluable preparation in the lead up to this year's 75th Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race. The race will start at 7pm near Point Piper in Sydney Harbour, and yachts will race around Cabbage Tree Island off Port Stephens. There are sure to be tight contests throughout the fleet, and within the divisions in IRC, ORCi and PHS, with seven TP52s and four Sydney 38s entered in the race.
FERRETTI GROUP PUSHING THE LIMITS
Ferretti Group has revealed plans for the new T Pershing project. The brand aims to "redefine the boundaries of the yacht segment between 25 and 40 metres" with this new model. Pershing will debut the new product range, flanked by the Generation X, featuring new technology, high-performance and styling from yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni.
In the first nine months of 2019, Ferretti collected orders for more than 465 million euro, an increase of 18 per cent compared to the first nine months of 2018, thanks to the launch of five new models under the Riva, Pershing, Ferretti Yachts and Custom Line brands.