The sea trial was pubblished in Superyacht 40 – Winter 2014
Codecasa’s sporty new flag ship, signed by Andre Bacigalupo and architects Della Role hit the water packed with sober elegance and oozing performance.
Following Codecasa’s successful 35S, 41S and 45S models which are all built in aluminium and are the first of the sports line this shipyard has built in aluminium and led the company to expand the line and complete the envisaged range, which is made up of splendid single decked motor yachts, with motor yacht “Framura 3”. This new 50 metre thus becomes Codecasa’s Sport line flag ship. The first of this line dates back to 2004 almost a decade ago with “Maria Carla” a 35S and with a further five models in various sizes perpetuating the stylistic features, spirit, construction materials and performance inherited from preceding models, but adding a whole deck given the extra length, rather than a simple flying bridge situated on the superstructure’s coachroof which was the case in smaller models. Andre Bacigalupo drew up project designs for every yacht and all the excellent hulls of the Sports line which guarantee thrilling performances also on 270 ton yachts.
“Framura 3” was off the chocks and into the water on June 22nd 2013 at Codecasa’s new production premises situated along the Navicelli canal in Pisa which is the company’s latest acquisition extending over an area of 25,000 square metres of which 10,000 are taken up by 4 identical hangars of 2,500 square metres. Each one of these hangars is served by a travel lift capable of handling up to 670 tons. This site can host hulls and superstructures up to 80 metres, right from initial phases of production.
Andre Bacigalupo has successfully managed to come up with a semi-wide body containing the whole of the upper deck’s extension aft right up to the stern, thereby transforming what was the flying bridge in preceding smaller models into a full size deck which covers the superstructure, and hosts lowered and streamlined radar dome notwithstanding the height of the mast and the familiar array of all kinds of aerials of different shapes and sizes. All things considered the final result is a large motor yacht, with plenty of room which still manages to “weigh in” below 500 gross tons, more precisely at 498 but with a flowing streamlined silhouette and harmonious family feeling true of the smaller 35S, 41S, and 45S models.
Bacigalupo’s expertise in distributing the stylistic features inherited from the smaller yachts of the same line to the flagship “Framura 3” without exceeding in any one direction is remarkable. The lowered radar dome too sports an original aesthetic touch which is at the same time useful in providing shade to the al fresco dining area on the upper deck with a supporting almost “invisible” light awning when lunches are taken out there. This is a smart original and efficient solution with a characterising personality.
The lounge saloon area in the bow of this 50 metre, proportionally sports more generous spaces than those found on the 41S and 45S models with: a huge forward facing sofa, two coffee tables with small accompanying armchairs, two sun beds hosting up to three on each. The 50S also has access to the upper deck via two lateral passage ways along each side of the superstructure which can be taken from the stern area and from the helm controls station as well.
In line with current trends “Framura 3” boasts a wide terrace which opens out from the topsides on the starboard side in the bow area which provides more air, light and an extra view to the gym which is part of the owner’s mega suite.
The interior layout in terms of colour schemes is classic with innovative solutions. The main deck hosts the saloon amidships, which is decorated with a beach scene painted by Salvatore Fiume, and the owner’s 75 square metre mega suite which is situated in the full beam area in the bows and comprises aside from his night quarters proper, an area to port which serves as dresser/make up spot, followed by a lounge with armchair and foot rest on the starboard side, two walk in wardrobes, as many bathrooms and the already mentioned gym for the opening terrace.
One of the innovative solutions is the fact there’s only one dining area inside and one out as mentioned earlier but both are situated on the upper deck level. The interior dining area sports Michele Cascella’s “Estate di Rapallo” a well known painter around the Tigullio Gulf.
As per tradition, Codecasa’s helm controls stations are a happy harmonious synthesis made up of functionality, aesthetics and modernity and it’s no less in the case in point. Latest generation technology, and gauges are all lined and inserted into precious materials and controls are placed to be readily used with ease.
The lower deck’s layout is somewhat more unusual. The bow area houses guest cabins which entail one VIP full beam cabin, three twins, and a double. The crew’s quarters are placed amidships with four twin cabins and a single for the captain, a huge mess-room and galley. Further aft we come to a full beam garage which houses a 7 metre Castoldi Jet tender which can be launched and recovered on the port side via an adequate hatch. The stern area hosts an all in house engineered, impeccable and well defined splendid engine room. A lot of careful planning went into the making of this engine room for it to be aesthetically on par with this yacht’s overall beauty. It’s a place where one can work well even when in close contact with three 2,600 Hp MTU 16V 2000 M94 engines coupled to two Kamewa 80 S III hydro-jets and to one booster model 71 B III which push this 270 ton ship to a top speed of 28 knots. “Framura 3” can cover one thousand nautical miles at 18 knots with 45,000 litres of fuel, which for a planing yacht of this size is a notable result which highlights the excellence and efficiency of Bacigalupo’s hull design.
Architects Anna Maria and Franco Della Role as many times before provided the interior decor which in this instance was finalised after two years’ close work with the owner’s architect of choice. The decorative choices of this expert pair of architects that are on the light and bright side. They stand out for their simplified geometrics supplemented with the preciousness of the materials chosen where clean cut essential lines remove all that is superfluous without ever neglecting care and refinement throughout. Each area boasts contrasting lights and darks: the main deck saloon, the dining area on the upper deck, the owner’s mega suite as in the five guest cabins all sport the same light oak opposed to dark wenge wood essences and the neutral shades of fabrics and upholstery materials are occasionally revived with isolated splashes of more intense colours which provide verve to each area.
“Framura 3” is therefore an excellent and happy mix between opposites, in terms of architecture, decor, and engineering. The exteriors offer intense aggressive yet light sinuous lines and a highly performing speed of 28 knots guaranteed by the three engines and Ship Dynamics zero speed gyro. stabilisers ensure great comfort when lying to an anchor while the originality of the interior layout blends well with the careful study of the guest areas and passages, leading to them and to the crew quarters which underscore the sort of comfort, and liveability this Codecasa S line flagship offers, thus making any cruise all the more pleasant.
With four models in the S line from 35 to 50 metres, Codecasa can now fully satisfy every demand and expectation within the sport motor yacht range with yachts that are undoubtedly also elegant and comfortable.
For further information: Cantieri Navali Codecasa
by Roberto Franzoni