Superyacht
COLUMBUS YACHTS: IT’S ALL IN THE DETAIL
Making her debut at the Monaco Yacht Show, the subtle design traits of Columbus Yachts’ Dragon, gained her a host of admirers.
Yachts
Launching a new superyacht at the world’s biggest superyacht show is no easy task for a shipyard. At the Monaco Yacht Show, you’re lining up against the world’s biggest and best, and with most berthed stern-to, grabbing the attention of potential owners requires some original thinking and some fine detailing. For Columbus Yachts’ Dragon, she has been given enough character to stand tall amongst her peers, while her detailing really makes her stand out.
SUBTLE BY DESIGN
Dragon is the new flagship of the Columbus Yachts fleet and quite incredibly, she was built in only 27 months. Her relatively quick build can be attributed to the quality of her designers, with Sergio Cutolo and his Hydro Tec team responsible for naval architecture and exterior design, and Francesco Guida handling the interiors. There’s no doubt to Dragon’s timeless style, with the 80-metre superyacht blessed with a traditional, stylish-but-sporty silhouette.
However, look more closely and you’ll find some bold stylistic statements, that really set her out in Port Hercule. For owners looking to stand out without being ostentatious, it’s the small details that count and Dragon has a number of interesting traits. Amidships, there is a distinctive hockey stick shaped stripe. It adds a sporty line to the hull, much like a superyacht go-faster stripe, however, on closer inspection the stripe running parallel to the gunwale is actually the railing painted white. It’s a clever use of a superyacht hardware that is rarely used as a stylistic exercise.
Built in just 27 months, Dragon represents timeless Italian elegance and constructive craftsmanship.
In fact, stripes play in an important part in Dragon’s design, as the white hull and superstructure feature bold, black lines from the waterline upwards. Even the Columbus’ glazing is visually integrated into the black/white colourway. Another eye catching detail are the glass cutouts in the Owner’s deck bulwarks. These not only help with the outward view, but also add another sporty flash to the superstructure.
INTERIOR SPACES
Images of Dragon’s interior spaces are limited. However, Francesco Guida’s warm colourways are used throughout to create a sophisticated but modern ambience.
The main salon is the first interior space guests see, making it essential to set the tone of the yacht straight away. Here, a Chelini table from the well-known Tuscany workshop welcomes guests on board. Chelini’s tables are renowned for having soul, and so, combined with C-shaped sofas, add a touch of the Mediterranean to the lounge.
The dining area forward features a custom-made 14-seater table by Giorgetti with a Roman travertine top, maple edges and leather legs. Six huge five metre long by two metre high windows let in all the natural light you could possibly need, adding to Guida’s light wood and the bronze/ satin gold detailed vision.
Unlike many superyacht layouts, the lower deck has been utilsed solely for the crew’s use, featuring 10 cabins, a gym, dinette, galley and access to the technical rooms and the garage. This means that the guest accommodation (four cabins plus a VIP has been located forward of the main salon, making the most of the main deck’s elevated views, especially so the VIP cabin, with its panoramic views. To continue the classical theme, all cabins have a private Roman travertine-clad bathroom, as does the Owner, a deck above.
The whole of the fourth deck is dedicated exclusively to the Owner, which, as you can imagine on a 262-foot long superyacht, is quite spacious. Again, like the VIP, there is a panoramic view forward, however, the Owner’s stateroom measures over 100 metres square in size. It’s so expansive, Guida has even managed to find space for a sauna, separate wardrobe and an office.
Dragon’s twin MTU engines, deliver 3,003 horsepower each. This gives the 80 -metre superyacht a top speed of 17 knots and a range of over 6,200 nautical miles at the eco-friendly speed of 12 knots.
Heading aft, there’s a pantry ideally placed to serve the Owner’s private lounge and the 14-seat dining table out on the lounge deck. Up on the bridge deck, guests have a choice of either continuing Dragon’s breezy vibe by relaxing in the beauty and massage parlour, or losing some calories in the Technogym-equipped wellness area. Fitness is becoming increasingly popular on board superyachts, which has a lot to do with younger Owners. Working out is now as important as chilling out.
But, no need to be too hasty about Dragon’s heart pumping activities, as up on the sundeck, it’s back to lounging about without a care in the world. Although you are towering 12 metres above sea level, it’s difficult to move from the 7-metre pool with its blade waterfall. It’s about as private as you can get, allowing you to enjoy the chaise lounges at any anchorage without being seen.
| Columbus Dragon Specifications | |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 80m |
| Beam: | 13m |
| Exterior Design: | Hydro Tec Studio |
| Interior Design: | Francesco Guida |
| Naval Architecture: | Hydro Tec Studio |
| Engines: | 2x MTU 3,003hp |
| Cruise speed: | 12 kn |
| Max speed: | 17 kn |
| Range: | 6,200nm @12 kn |
| Shipyard: | Columbus Yachts |
CONCLUSION
Dragon is in many ways, is a perfect superyacht. Her style – both inside and out – is modern, but not ostentations. Hydro Tech hasn’t gone down the disruptive route and because of this, the 80 metre Columbus appeals to all.
Space is abundant. In fact, Dragon’s interior volume measures in at 2,300 Gross Tonnes, which means plenty of elbow room with more than enough space for the seven and nine and a half-metre tenders.
Twin MTUs push Dragon up to a top speed of 17 knots, while allowing her to cruise at a comfortable 12 knots. At his relaxed speed, she can cover a huge 6,200 nautical miles, making her a genuine world-class grand tourer.
