CL Yachts has unveiled details of its entry-level CLB65, which it plans to launch in the fourth quarter of the year. As such, its completion could overlap with the world premiere of the builder’s flagship CLX96, which is scheduled for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from October 27-31.

The CLB65, which offers the option of solar panels on the flybridge hardtop, is the smaller sister of the CLB72 and CLB88 from the yard’s B series, while its other models include the CLA76.

The CLB65 has a hull length of 64ft 6in (19.7m) and was designed by CL Yachts to be the largest model that could be comfortably owner-operated. It features a RINA-certified, resin-infused composite hull design by Apollonio Naval Architecture in collaboration with marine structural engineer Gurit, the two studios that also collaborated on the CLB72.

The CLB65’s streamlined exterior and the layout are done in-house, while the interior design is by Interiors by Carmen, which also worked on the CLB72. “Natural wood tones and modern furnishings combine with a neutral colour palette to create a modern and serene atmosphere,” the yard stated.

The CLB65 is the first model by CL Yachts to feature an aft galley, where a flip-up window and the cockpit door can open to create a connected indoor/outdoor environment.

There’s a dining table opposite the galley, while the saloon includes a C-shaped sofa facing a sliding door to the starboard side deck. The interior feature expansive windows, including an openable window on port side of the saloon, while the three lower-deck cabins have openable portholes.

The yacht’s outdoor areas include a large swim platform, a covered cockpit with dining table, and a foredeck with sofa and sunpads. The large flybridge has an aft L-shaped sofa with coffee table facing an L-shaped wet bar, while forward if a C-shaped sofa and dining table along with the upper helm.

The guest accommodation comprises a full-beam master suite and an ensuite bathroom that CL Yachts describes as the biggest in its class, a twin with ensuite to port, and a VIP cabin with ensuite in the bow. There’s also a convertible crew cabin aft.

The CLB65, which can be CE certified upon request, features strategic use of carbon-fibre, while the first unit will be configured with twin Volvo IPS1050 pods and is expected to have a top speed of 27 knots. Features include an at-rest electric fin stabiliser.

Meanwhile, the upcoming CLX96, which features exterior and interior design by Jozeph Forakis, was a winner at the 2020 Good Design Awards organised by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, following in the footsteps of the CLB88, victorious in the 2019 edition.

The CLB88, the shipyard’s first collaboration with Forakis, has recently been shortlisted in the Motor Yacht 25-40 Meters category for the International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2021, which will be presented in Venice in May. In February, the model was nominated for Best Motor Yacht Interior Design – 499GT and below in the 2021 BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards, which is set to be held in Milan in July.
www.clyachts.com

ASIA’S YACHT BUILDERS: THRIVING HOME AND AWAY

Shipyards in Asia are expanding their range of yachts at both ends of the size scale, diversifying into power and sailing catamarans, and including this region among their target markets, as profiled in Yacht Style’s annual feature on Asia’s builders.