BREAKING THE MOULD
It is no mean feat to launch a new flagship model during a raging pandemic. But when it’s the biggest all-fibreglass production yacht ever built, and you have to actually chill the production halls to deal with exterior temperatures of 45°C-plus (mainly for the staff), the achievement takes on a whole new dimension. That is what Gulf Craft has pulled off with the launch of the first 55-metre Majesty 175, Serenity MRF.
The heat may be nothing new to the United Arab Emirates-based boatbuilder and its workforce. But there is plenty that is novel about the new boat. It takes Gulf Craft’s interior finish to a new level and cements a new focus that encompasses semi-displacement designs as well as the fast planing hulls the yard is known for.
The boat is no slouch, though. Twin 2,012hp MTU 12V 4000 M63 engines can shift her 500 tonnes at a top speed of 16.5 knots, while cruising is a decent 10 knots. “The Majesty 175 is extremely manoeuvrable and handled the sea trials exceptionally,” says Captain Patricia Caswell. “With a difference of more than 40 percent GRT compared to the previously launched 155 series, and maintaining good top speeds with this machinery package, it has shown very strong performance. We really pushed the 175 during trials and the incredibly
