Australian C.Way Pty Ltd, based in Sydney has presented their two latest projects: an 8m superyacht tender and a 47m C.Way motor yacht. C.Way was established to create luxurious custom and semi-custom yachts in a streamlined and rational way, so that costs can be contained without compromising on quality.
C.Way’s first major project, the 37m super yacht Tango, was partially built at Oceanfast-Austal, before being fitted out by C.Way. Proof that it is possible to build a vessel of the highest quality, without the excesses that are commonplace in the sector.
The decision to custom build a yacht tender was born out of the need for an attractive, functional day boat that offers protection from the weather, whilst still permitting the enjoyment of water sports.
Tasmania-based Imaginocean Yacht Design (IYD) was commissioned to bring the project to fruition. Designer, Will Allison says, “There’s any number of limousine-style tenders out there: but they are a single use vessel. The objective here was to create a practical boat that would serve as a comfortable tender, but also be suitable for a range of other activities”.
The result is an edgy-looking 8m yacht with seating for up to eight guests and crew. IYD employed a combination of aluminum for the hull and structure, with composites for much of the interior, to produce a durable vessel that is also light enough to be lifted onto the aft deck of the mother ship. Hull number one is currently under construction in Hobart and is due to be launched by the middle of 2012.
Early on in the yacht tender’s design process, it became apparent that the two firms shared an enthusiasm and vision that would be ideal for the refinement of the motor yacht concept. Allison says, “Even at the larger end of the spectrum, owners are looking for improved efficiency. So we based the design on a longer, lower platform that still remains under the 500GT limit. The longer waterline length allows for higher displacement speeds, with lower fuel consumption; whilst reducing the height improves stability. The motion is more comfortable, with less reliance on active stabilisation and the yacht is simply more pleasant to be aboard. It’s a win-win-win.”
The result is a dramatic looking luxury yacht where indoor / outdoor living is the driving force behind the design. There are a variety of spaces that open up to give a connection to the sea that is often missing in larger yachts. In the full-beam main saloon, for instance, the little balconies that are becoming increasingly common these days are eschewed in favour of almost full height windows, that slide back to completely open the interior to the outside. An expansive “beach club”, a second open-air saloon on the upper deck and a foredeck spa / lounge, ensure that there will always be a perfect spot for every occasion.
The Master Suite is located a half deck down from the Main Saloon and enjoys the full width of the vessel, with his and hers bathrooms, separated by an enormous walk-in robe. Aft and down a few more steps are four en-suite guest cabins. All feature large windows and extensive storage, ensuring that guests will enjoy a comfortable stay.
The crew are equally well catered for, with four much larger than usual en-suite cabins and a private lounge and galley facilities. From here there is also access to a cavernous lower deck storage space: evidence that this is a yacht designed by and for experienced owners. Further evidence of this is to be found in the galley, which is located immediately up and forward of the Main Saloon.
This is surely a chef’s dream come true instead of the usual cramped facilities, the galley is not only larger than the norm (with yet another large store room) but features direct access to the decks and all of the entertainment spaces. It even has a view!
With the extensive range of tenders and toys in the water, the upper deck is simply enormous. The aforementioned second saloon opens onto this, and like the main, can be opened up completely on three sides for what must surely be the ultimate place to enjoy an alfresco breakfast. Or, if one prefers the view looking forward, there is an open air bridgedeck that features a second helm.
C.Way and Imaginocean Yacht Design have created a yacht that promises to be quite unlike anything else in this segment of the market. The high Australian dollar has given C.Way the confidence to build the hull in Asia and fit her out in Australia. They intend to market both the luxury yacht Tango and the two new vessels into an international market. This is the time for change in the superyacht industry and the C.Way / Imaginocean team are certainly showing the direction.