Felicita West’s pedigree is highly impressive, her statistics are simply awesome. As a Perini Navi ketch she has all of the typical space, pace and grace. However in a radical departure, outside expertise was brought in to push the boundaries of performance. Added to the owner’s considerable experience, the legendary Ron Holland was appointed as the Naval Architect and Italian designers Nuvolari and Lenard worked with Perini Navi’s own stylists on the interior – a dream team for a luxury sailing yacht.
The specifications are as astonishing as they are effective. At 64 metres (210 ft) the long waterline produces dynamic hull speed. At the same time, the ultra wide beam of 12.7 metres (42 ft) brings large internal volume and side decks where two people can walk side by side. This is a feat few motor yachts can achieve. She was the first 500 tonne aluminium sailing yacht to be MCA certified.
Sailing Felicita West is an amazing experience. 1,800 square metres of canvas automatically unfurl to propel her 650 tonnes. Five hundred sensors transmit data to the highly sophisticated software systems. Twenty-two joysticks at both flybridge and internal helm stations allow the sails to be trimmed to perfection. The power is staggering as oceans of sail curve and capture the wind. Fifteen knots is readily achievable but equally impressive is that only the gentlest of heeling actions is required to turn a full circle.
Aprés–sail, relax on any of three levels. The flybridge is so large that all twelve guests can sit, eat and talk in the sun or shade, surrounded by gleaming mast machinery. For sport, imagine big game fishing from two fighting chairs. A large swimming platform descends from the main deck with easy access into the water or onto the jet tenders. The most spectacular views are from the bow seat or a crow’s nest ‘lift’ that ascends 40 metres (131 ft) up the 60-metre main mast. Dining can take place in the shaded, sunken aft cockpit, where the crew magically transform the scene from informal breakfast through buffet lunch to a sumptuous dinner.
The English Country House style of the interior was designed for easy living. Colours and textures are warm and mellow, soft and comforting and over 70 tonnes of insulation virtually eliminate noise and vibration. The main saloon easily accommodates different groups, some to watch a film on the 52” plasma screen with surround sound, others playing cards or reading. The deep, cavernous sofas, high-backed armchairs, beautiful Lalique lighting, pale cherry cabinets – everything makes you feel so at ease. Space like this encourages the art of conversation.
The dining saloon and adjacent bar work well together or as separate areas. The main table can be laid for a formal dinner or set up for guests to come and go, mingling in the bar, moving outside, or watching a film or satellite television on the screen above the table. For aficionardos, the owner’s very special chess set awaits the first move.
The master suite is an astonishing 12.5 metres (41 ft) wide. Cherry panelling with inset night lighting, a king size bed facing a retractable large plasma screen, a sitting room (with a fold out treadmill) and white marble bathroom, complete this calm, quiet, retreat.
Other staterooms include two large doubles with queen size beds and two twins, all with additional pullman berths.
On Felicita West beauty and power integrate to perfection. With an experienced crew of twelve to look after the yacht and guests, anyone who charters the yacht will have an unparalleled experience, never to be forgotten.
Tags: charter, Felicita West, French Riviera, Mediterranean, Nuvolari and Lenard, Perini Navi, Ron Holland, sailing yacht, Western Mediterranean