Fairline steams Down Under

Considered a popular owner/driver size, the Squadron 65 is the new boat spearheading the Fairline's rerelease in Australia. Flaunting cutting-edge interior design, she takes the brand to a new level of luxe, with a generous four-cabin layout, en suites like you haven't seen before, and natural light that is no less generous.

The first Squadron 65 was destined for delivery in May in Europe, a second boat is in production for her first show debut at the Cannes Boat Show in September, and a 65 is also scheduled to arrive in Australia later this year.

Chief designer Andrew Pope says the boat's flat-floor single level interior provides an enhanced feeling of space, while modern square finishes to the furniture add to the style.

The forward stateroom is something else: as luxuriously appointed as the amidships full-beam master stateroom, but with a full-length overhead skylight that lifts the finishes and the soul.

As with all Squadrons, the flybridge is a key entertaining area for lunching with friends and family. Back at the helm, a touch-screen console and special Pilot system give the owner control of the boat's electrical system. 

When powered by twin Caterpillar C18-1015hp diesel engines, the Squadron 65 has an anticipated top speed of 33kts, says the boatbuilder. The 65 is expected to gain an extra knot with the optional V10 MAN 1100hp diesel engines.

With recent headlines focusing on other manufacturing companies restructuring and downsizing during the global downturn, Bryan Jones, president of the newly created Fairline Boats Asia headquartered in Singapore, clarified Fairline's position in the marketplace.

"As the global recession took hold in 2008, Fairline acknowledged early on the need to reduce the size of its business to reflect the impending changes. During the period from September to December 2008, some lines went to short-time working for a brief period and it was announced that the workforce was being reduced from 1400 to 1000. The 2009 production level was reduced by 38 per cent to avoid flooding the market and appointed dealerships with boats," Jones explains in a press statement.

At the recent European launch of the new Squadron 65 on May 6, Derek Carter, the CEO of Fairline, made a brief presentation to the gathered media: "Having taken our medicine early, Fairline continues to be a robust company ready and able to operate profitably in the current economic climate that 2009 presents. Indeed, the current forward order book accounts for over 70 per cent of 2009 production levels.

"While I believe 2009 will continue to be challenging companies and individuals, I am optimistic we will start to see an upturn in Europe during the early quarters of 2010 and that is what my management team and dealer principals are constantly working towards," Carter said.

Closer to home, the new Fairline dealers Cobra Group, owned CRS Yachts Pty Ltd, trading as Fairline Sydney, appeared at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show with a Phantom 48 and Squadron 58.

The authorised Fairline dealer for the eastern seaboard from Queensland to South Australia, Fairline Sydney has a sales office at Rose Bay Marina and a new sales and service operation at the fully serviced Gold Coast Marine Centre that also offers commissioning and refurbishment. Former Fairline employee Nigel Smith, who is said to have a wealth of industry experience and knowledge of Fairline motoryachts, manages the Gold Coast Fairline facility.

For more information visit the Fairline.com website or contact:
Mark Chapman,
Fairline Sydney, Rose Bay Marina,
594 New South Head Road,
Rose Bay, NSW, 2029

Phone (02) 9327 8829,
email: sydney@fairline.com.

FAIRLINE SQUADRON 65
Hull length:  18.48m
Length overall:  20.41m
Beam:  5.24m
Number of berths:  6 to 8
Draft:  1.37m
Height above waterline:  6.89m
Weight:  30,000kg (dry)
Fuel:  3542lt
Water:  1140lt
Engines:  Twin 1015hp C18 CATS to 1100hp V10 MANs