Sunshine, two-to-three-foot seas and an easterly wind. Lovely but not the kind of conditions likely to pose a challenge for CL Yachts’ much-anticipated CLX96. Our two hours offshore feel more like a pleasure cruise than a trial. A baby is on board, shortly lulled to sleep by the yacht's gentle motion. Other passengers include the baby's father and the yacht's designer, Jozeph Forakis, naval architect Earl Alfaro, structural engineer Al Horsmon and several members of the CL Yachts team.
I'd like to leave aside the exterior design for a moment, even if this unusual exterior is what stands out – everyone has an opinion about it. Let's look at this CLX96 from other angles first. The visit starts from the transom and its multi-purpose platform by Z-lift, which handles up to 1,764 pounds and accommodates a tender of up to 14ft 5in; a davit is hidden nearby to assist with the tender launch. From here, we move up the stairs to the main deck where the set-up is pleasantly casual. Settees with storage under easily extend to allow tall adults to fully stretch out. “Transformability and multifunctionality are a theme throughout the boat,” Forakis says.
“Here we get a full wet service bar, refrigerator, freezer, sink and a 42-inch color TV pops down (from the ceiling),” the designer points out. A sliding hatch leads to the crew area.
We walk past the stairs to the upper deck along a comfortable side deck with secure handrails to what Forakis calls the Piazza del Sole,
