The sea trial was pubblished on Superyacht 30 – Autumn 2011

Six years after her launch date, “Laurel” is still very much a perfect example of an ocean cruising yacht so much so that Delta Marine exhibit her at every major exhibition.

She hit the water in 2006 and in spite of the years gone by “Laurel” undoubtedly still represents one of the most significant models ever built by Delta Marine which hasn’t been equalled by any other in the American yachting industry. “Laurel” elegantly sports all of her 75 metres and is still the largest model produced by the Seattle based ship yard and one of the largest ever built anywhere in the United States. She’s very much on par with the best of European production thanks to her graceful timeless lines and for the top level technology installed.

Steel for the hull and composites for the superstructure all designed by Donald Starkey renowned prize winner many times over, who successfully managed to blend together that classic timeless style typical of a gentleman’s yacht with the latest technology available.

The hull bottom below the waterline has been designed to stand up to any sea or heavy weather as per the owner’s requests since he’s wanted to cruise extensively everywhere around the globe. We went to take a look for ourselves in the course of the latest Fort Lauderdale boat show six years after she hit the water for the first time. We appreciably noted the high quality and state of the equipment and plants despite the hours accumulated up to that point in time.

The interior layout too bears Donald Starkey’s signature and features a classic timeless and welcoming cosy style thanks to the furniture, prestigious woodwork with top quality materials, fabrics and essences to match with different tonalities and shades according to each of the different areas on board.Four decks plus a fly bridge make up the whole of the interior layout which features and privileges guests’ privacy, yet allows crew to carry on with their activities and enjoy their own independent spaces in which to relax.

The crew quarters extend along part of the tank deck which hosts the technical areas, as well as the ship’s stores room which is as large as a mini-market and also along part of the lower and main decks. The lower deck also hosts the guests’ cabins, of which four sport king size beds, one’s with a queen size double bed and another is furnished with a standard double bed.

Each cabin has a dedicated bathroom to it. The owner’s stateroom is proportionally large, it’s situated along the main deck and is made up of a study, a double walk in wardrobe area, double bathroom and two private terraces with sea view situated on each side. Proceeding aft we come to a large landing amidships which ensures both added privacy in the owner’s quarters as well as containing an open space galley area, stores and lobby with stairs leading to the other decks. In addition to the stairs there’s an elevator and a crew corridor leading to their quarters.

Further astern we find the main dining area with an ensuing lounge in which to relax and share convivial moments. This lounge opens out onto an external, comfortable living area sporting rattan classic furniture.

The wheelhouse with its complete set of latest generation equipment, nav. aids and controls is situated in the bow portion of the upper deck with two technical areas one is a chart room while the other is for radio transmitters, sat. communication, phones and so on. Adjacent to the just mentioned command and control bridge there’s the captain’s cabin which is a double with bathroom en suite while aft of this towards the stern there’s a reading room, a sky lounge and several small convivial areas outside, a dining zone with barbecue and grill cabinet, as well as built in settees from which to enjoy the scenery.

The sun deck is the obvious place for tan fans and leisurely relaxation. Forward towards the bow there’s a bar corner with an array of coffee tables. Proceeding astern we find sun-beds and a round shaped Jacuzzi tub. The area inside welcomes one into a bright, comfortable saloon in the bow while astern there’s a gym which is a ‘must have’ in order to keep fit during long nonstop hauls. Still on the subject of sporting activities “Laurel” possesses a handsome stern bathing platform which opens outward and lowers to water level revealing an enormous garage with tenders and water toys of every size.

by Daniele Carnevali

For further information: Delta Marina

The sea trial was pubblished on Superyacht 30 – Autumn 2011

TECHNICAL DATA
LOA: 73.15 m – Beam: 12.26 m – Draught: 3.66 m – Displacement: 1,472 t – Engines: 2×2,500 HP CAT 3516B HD – Top speed declared: 18.2 knots – Cruising speed declared: 13 knots – Fuel tank capacity: 173,037 litres – Range: 6,000 nm – Water tank capacity: 41,640 litres – Construction material: steel and composites – Class: Malta Cross 100 A1 SSC Yacht (P), G6, Malta Cross LMC, UMS – Naval Architects: Delta Design Group – Exterior & Interior design: Donald Starkey.