Vintage 42

The sea trial was pubblished on Superyacht 32 – spring 2012

The tale about classic style and avant-garde plants and technology always seems a déjà vu, but when analysing the details of a yacht such as Codecasa’s Vintage 42 we feel there’s still a great deal to view and much more to write about.

We’re not surprised at being surprised – forgive the repetition but this time it seems quite spontaneous – by Codecasa, where the formal classic blends with the modern which we’re happy to term as avant-garde. After all this yard’s historical track record and production over time has shown us various eloquent examples of the sort of classic style which the yard has been capable of and has underscored as a main feature, in yachts that in spite of their years are currently still admired and much appreciated for their lack of those “must haves” dictated by only passing trends, it’s this lack which makes them all still desirable. Codecasa has also built in addition to yachts boats for the Coast Guard that have made of avant-garde technology their principal feature and strong point.

In this specific case we are looking at highly performing boats equipped with complex performing engines, in a nutshell the sort of modern efficiency made available today demonstrated by the results achieved. At this point in time Codecasa seems to consolidate its past with the present by creating its much wanted Vintage series which we discover, in spite of its name, is a line of yachts ranging from 42 to 50 metres for the time being, and of that which is vintage there’s only a formal call name re-interpreted in a modern key.

The aesthetic result can be appreciated in the photographs accompanying this article, while the technologic result in every detail is worthy of being labelled as avant-garde. Codecasa with naval architect Della Role have joined forces in developing and delivering both a creative and technical project we can highly consider and recommend as a point of reference. Examining the aesthetics, which are never far off from being functional and we’ll see why.

To quote one feature there’s a vertical bow which has really little to do with passing trends, it’s functional, practical and requested by the owner. This is a yacht which is not overly large but contains the sort of exploitable spaces so as to ensure maximum comfort for the owner and guests, also thanks to the extra space gained in the bow area due to the vertical bow stem head. The rational distribution of spaces and volume, as well as the water lines adopted are fruit of Codecasa’s experience which contributes in attaining a top speed of 17 knots, and 11 for low consumption cruising which translates into a 4,000 nautical mile range.

All of this is achieved with two 1,650 Hp Caterpillar engines and 77,000 litres of fuel. The yacht is made up of three decks plus a fly bridge, the hull is built in AH36 highly resistant steel, with a 5083 H321 aluminium alloy superstructure and displaces when fully laden 400 tons. Another feature of keen interest is the yacht’s class registration: Lloyd’s Register, Malta Cross 100 A1 SSC Yacht Mono G6, Malta Cross LMC, Full MCA Compliant, which qualify the yacht for charter work, and guarantees higher safety standards to owner and guests also in the course of more demanding cruise routes.

This yacht is certainly suitable for owners wishing to live aboard for long periods as well, which is understood by the layout of the interiors. In fact the three decks host just ten guests which can become twelve by deploying two supplementary berths in the twin bed cabins. Comfort and privacy are more than adequate for long periods too. Of four guest cabins situated on the lower deck amidships, two are doubles, two are twins and each cabin with its dedicated bathroom is accessed by way of a landing that sports at its centre a turret thanks to which one can access the main deck.

The owner’s suite is full beam and is situated in the bow section of this deck taking up the entire width of the superstructure which easily allows space enough for two bathrooms, a dressing table, an office corner, a walk in wardrobe and a centrally placed double bed. Aft of the owner’s suite there’s the galley area which connects to the owner’s passageway, to the saloon at amidships and through to the crew quarters in the bow on the lower deck via two sets of stairs which lead also to the dining area situated on the top deck.

Owner and guests access the decks via the central turret which links the lower deck to the one at the top while the crew uses separate stairs and passage ways. The saloon situated on the main deck is worthy of note since it is ideally subdivided in two separate areas, one sports a large C shaped sofa and table at centre with multi – media gear and plenty of natural light from the surrounding glazed panels along the coaming, and the other aft of the first contains an L shaped sofa, coffee table, wet bar cabinet and access to the lounge outside in the cockpit from where one can reach the top deck by way of steps.

The same configuration goes for the dining area inasmuch as there too, are two subdivided areas as in the saloon already mentioned. One is aft of the modern bridge with the helm/controls station and is situated inside while the other is outside even if sheltered by the overhead extension of the fly bridge above.

Aft of the dining area there’s a well equipped sun bathing zone and tender with dedicated hoist. As mentioned earlier the bow area of the top deck is taken up by the helm/controls station from which the officer in command can rely on excellent visibility as far as the horizon.

Two wings containing repeater controls on either side enhance visibility in restricted waters while manoeuvring. Aft of the helm controls station, there’s another galley, a day head and service stairs for the crew. The fly bridge is duly decked out for tan fans with an open air lounge area for guests’ wellbeing which sports deck chairs, chaises longue drinks cabinet and more multi- media gear. As for the interiors they have been realized according to the owner’s requests which entail use of very light coloured tonalities, where white is the prevailing colour, blending with pleasantly contrasting harmonious shades of chrome.

This is a gentleman’s and seaman’s yacht not just for its technical aspects and equipment, but also for the choice of materials which highlights the existing relationship linking man to the sea because every area on board reminds one of being aboard a cruising yacht at sea.

For further information Piazzale San Benedetto del Tronto, 4; 55049 Viareggio (LU) Italy +39 0584 383221 [email protected] www.codecasayachts.com

by Angelo Colombo