NOMAD YACHTS: A NEW ADVENTURE

We’re going to launch a brand new Nomad range at the next Dubai International Boat Show. It’s going to be ground breaking.

DESIGN

Whereas the original Nomad could be seen as a somewhat utilitarian design, the new Nomad is very much a luxury long-range cruiser. It’s like comparing a Land Rover Defender to a Range Rover Velar. Basically, the in-house designed 2019 Nomad can hold its own stylistically in any marina, and it all starts with the Andrew Wolstenholme hull. Extreme seaworthiness, stability and ruggedness were critical factors in the build of the Nomad range, with the British designer creating an efficient semi-displacement hull that could easily take on the rough seas of Northern Europe. The fact that Gulf Craft’s 40-strong design and engineering department as well as Chairman Mohammed Alshaali have worked wonders on the superstructure styling and interior layouts is an absolute bonus. The new Nomad is a tight, handsome design, and it’s all been made possible thanks to the shipyard’s massive investment in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM). As Umm Al Quawin is not particularly close to the specialist yacht outfitters of Genoa, La Spezia and Ancona, Gulf Craft design and produce almost everything in-house, from sofa cushions to engine room components. This also gives Owners the potential to work on specific design requirements with the shipyard, and in some ways the process can be described as semi-custom.

Details, within reason, can be discussed and implemented. It’s this flexibility that has enabled the design department to create the Nomad’s varied and forward-thinking layouts; there’s much more to these yachts than meets the eye.

Superyacht style: It’s difficult to choose a favourite area on board, but the Nomad’s main deck-forward Owner’s Suite with its panoramic views is hard to beat.

LAYOUT

The new Nomad range consists of the 65, 75 and 95 SUV models. You would think, or even expect, the three yachts to share the same general arrangement – after all, that would make sense production, design and time-wise, but no, each of the range has a completely different layout and we mean completely different. For example, the 95 SUV has a traditional main salon layout comprising of a lounge with sofas and table aft, with a dining table forward, served by the galley located behind the bulkhead to port. It’s a traditional look that you would expect on a superyacht. However, step through the 75’s cockpit doors and you’re greeted with a lounge, but no dining area. Here, a huge galley has been extended aft allowing an open foyer with the staircase leading up to the upper deck to starboard. The look changes again on the 65, as there is a lounge to port with the dining area to starboard. To get so much variation in on single model range is astounding and that carries on below deck, too.

Owners can choose between multiple cabin options and again, all the yachts in the new range are set up differently. Four cabins, three cabins, two VIPs and a single, the choice is varied, practical and fun.

Extreme seaworthiness, stability and ruggedness were critical factors in the build of the Nomad range.

Having VIPs forward and aft is a great layout and this flexibility can be seen on the upper deck. Up here in the 95 you have the wheelhouse with its Portuguese bridge forward, with a VIP stateroom aft. As it features commanding views of the sea, plus the benefit of the aft deck lounge, theoretically, it could be turned into an Owner’s deck, however, the Nomad has a far more impressive location for the Owner’s suite. On each of the new Nomads the Owner’s stateroom is located forward on the main deck, making the most of the large, panoramic windows. It’s a layout often seen on superyachts over 60-metres, but here we’re starting at 65-feet and it works just as well. In fact, the Owners Suite on the Nomad 65 benefits from the smaller beam, meaning you’re even closer to the large windows, bringing you even closer to the seascape surrounding you. The idea of relocating the Owner’s Stateroom to the main deck forward was that of Mohammed Alshaali, and when you’re the boss and you have the engineering team, plus the latest manufacturing facilities on site, then quite literally, you can make dreams become reality with relative ease.

Gulf Craft’s attention to detail and understanding of an owner’s needs can be seen in the crew quarters. A lot of thought and space has been given to the happiness and wellbeing of the crew, with the Nomad 95 being particularly accommodating with its lounge and cabins, complete with large windows and en suite bathroom. Also, male and female crew can be split up (very important in the Middle East) as there are more crew cabins in the bow. And you know what they say, “Happy crew, happy guests, happy boat!”

CONCLUSION

Gulf Craft has done it again with the new Nomad range. The shipyard has produced yet another world-class collection, with the 65, 75 and 95 SUVs all featuring a different heart and character to the rest of the yachts under the Gulf Craft umbrella. Stylish, spacious and built tough, the Nomad’s can cruise all day at 12-knots supping a mere 80 litres per hour, and thanks to Wolstenholme’s semi-planing hull, efficiency is equally as good, as the CAT C32s (mated to reliable straight shafts) push the 95 up to 20 knots. They can also fit in all the toys you could possibly need on an extended trip away and for a range of yachts described as the SUVs of the seas, they are beautifully built, dressed and finished, which has been backed up with some serious sales and new leads after the Dubai and Kuwait boat shows.

www.gulfcraftinc.com