Mangusta GranSport 54 – El Leon

The sea trial was pubblished on Superyacht 61 – spring 2019

Award winner for interior and exterior design “El Leon” is the new flagship of Mangusta’s fast displacement line but not only, this yacht oozes with technology, loads of comfort and performs very well.

Mangusta has been growing exponentially over three decades with models ranging from 94’ to 125’. The lion’s share made up of twelve units delivered in less than six years goes to the 165’ model which has contributed in consolidating the yard’s reputation for delivering high performance maxi opens. Regardless of its successful track record, Mangusta decided to take on a new challenge which meant branching out into building long range “navette”, a segment which is at opposite ends with the company’s tradition. Hence out comes the Oceano series made up of 43 and 60 metre models built in both composites and metal.

Four of these models have hit the water in just two years. Another success and certainly due to Balducci’s experience they are at the head of the Overmarine group in addition to Mangusta and the family also owns Effebi shipyard which builds peacekeeping ships and coast guard patrol vessels. And following the building of such diverse units – hi performance opens on one side and long range “small ships” on the other out comes a third Mangusta line named GranSport.

This line borrows much of the opens’ features in terms of performance and some of the displacing “navette” ones as well: principally their cruising range. Flagship of the fast Displacement vessels is the GranSport 54 “El Leon” with an all aluminium alloy hull and powerful engines which propel this yacht to a top speed of 30 knots but at the same time can cruise in displacement mode with fuel enough to cross oceans. These performing results are thanks to a Fast Surface Piercing Hull designed with CFD technology by PLANA studio owned by Mr. Ausonio (engineer) which has been amply tank tested. The hull sports a bulb and the stern section has been specially designed to ensure that the four propellers linked to four 2,600 HP MTU engines also designed by Pierluigi Ausonio will deliver maximum efficiency. This type of hull generates 15-20% less drag than any other planing hull with no bulb and is therefore as fast but with a considerable advantage, it is 40% more efficient at 12 knots and does not require much fuel when cruising slow which translates into a range of 4,800 sea miles at 12 knots and 3,500 nm at 15 knots also thanks to a rather hefty fuel tank.

Alberto Mancini’s winning design brings out El Leon’s sporty performance thanks to a flowing sleek silhouette despite decidedly considerable interior volumes where headroom is never less than 2.10 metres. The interior layout and decor by Alberto Mancini and Overmarine’s Design Department was developed according to the owner’s wishes based on the use he intends to make of this yacht, which entails cruising Mediterranean waters and deploying it as an explorer on which to spend much time. In fact the owner’s suite has been situated in the bow area of the main deck and comprises a private study, while a well equipped gym and a media/entertainment room flank the guest cabins made up of two VIP cabins and two twins below deck revealing El Leon’s desire to cross oceans.

The details in the overall decor stand out creating a pleasant welcoming atmosphere thanks to the led lighting system to the tasteful quality of the materials used, the traditional teak flooring with white ash stripes, the skin decorating most of the ceiling panels while the furniture’s walnut and ebony essences complete the picture. Large cut glass window like ports brighten up the interiors while conveying a unique sense of continuity between the two realities, there are 273 square metres of open air space for outdoor activities and of which more than 100 are up on the flybridge. Here we come to a raised dining area, protected by lateral cut glass panelling and by an integrated hardtop above sporting a cut glass central portion delivering natural light.

The distribution of some of the exterior spaces offers guests several different choices and solutions, dining area, lounge area, or simply to relax by the infinity pool or enjoy a hydro-massage inside it. The bottom of the pool is transparent and allows plenty of light to filter through it onto the owner’s bathroom situated below it. When open, the stern transom and the two lateral parts all together form a lovely well equipped beach club with a surface area exceeding 70 square metres.

by Daniele Carnevali

For further informations: Overmarine Group

The sea trial was pubblished in Superyacht 61 – Spring 2019