Explorer 50 arrives

The world's first Clipper Explorer 50 Pilothouse arrived in Brisbane recently and Clipper's Brett Thurley was understandably overjoyed: "To finally get on board the completed boat was amazing after walking through her unfinished so many times in the shipyard," he said.

"She is an extremely large volume boat for a 50 footer and the saloon and galley area is very generous. With the addition of two extra comfy tub chairs, the large lounge/dinette entertaining is well covered," added Thurley.

The galley will satisfy the chef in your crew with generous storage and large bench space. Moving up to the pilothouse you are welcomed with a large elevated area with port and starboard sliding doors which open to give you great ventilation while cruising.

The forward-facing cruising lounge with table is at the perfect height for forward vision and to chat to the skipper. Helm layout is huge and you are in control of the lower helm with excellent vision around the bow and side decks.

The flybridge is a real highlight featuring huge area with oodles of seating and a raised helm position. The entertainment island houses a fridge, sink and electric barbecue for hosting those long lunches and evening parties.

Accommodations is down from the pilothouse or alternatively a straight staircase next to the galley depending on your choice of layouts. The midship master stateroom has a large island bed and ensuite with seperate shower, toilet and vanity. Hanging lockers, extra storage and elegant bedhead design cap off a well designed and laid out cabin.

The forward VIP cabin benefits from the boat's large and beamy bow and has huge ceiling height and overall volume for hanging locker storage area and of course a generous second bathroom with separate shower.

While the 50 is styled in a classic pilothouse theme her hull shape and design is state of the art, says Thurley. "She hops instantly onto plane powered by twin 480hp diesels with little bow rise and slips along easily at up to 20 knots sprint speed, cruising at 16 knots is effortless," he said.

She also is very responsive at the helm and turns with little or no lean, we're told.

"I was really impressed with her performance, stability and handling capabilities. The Explorer Series has a really high level of fit and finish with lovely finishing touches throughout the yacht including high quality drawer latches, square down lights, door handles and bathroom fixtures and fittings," Thurley added.

For more information go to: http://www.clippermotoryachts.com