Fleming 65 for Sanctuary Cove

The increasing push by retiring baby-boomers into the long-range cruiser market is set to continue with a new Fleming 65 to be released at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May.

The new 65 has similar lines to be very popular Fleming 55 but the added 10 feet in overall length increases the interior volume and displacement by 70 per cent. Deck space is also increased by a significant amount.

The new Fleming 65 owes much of its comfort and layout to one of the company's founders, and now ambassador at large, Tony Fleming -- who cruised his original Fleming 65, Venture, for more than 20,000 miles around the United States and even out to the Galapagos Islands. By living aboard for long periods and entertaining hundreds of Fleming customers and their friends, Tony Fleming obtained a remarkable insight into what well-heeled punters want in a boat.

All those refinements have been introduced into the new Fleming 65 and Tony Fleming can now be found enjoying Venture II.

Changes range from the installation of highly efficient LED interior and exterior lights, which draw less power, to the award winning Seatorque enclosed shaft system that not only reduces noise and vibration but also increases fuel efficiency by reducing drag.

The new vessel also offers the ability to run the pilothouse air conditioning in either cooling or heating mode from the boat's inverters while cruising. This cuts back the number of hours the generator needs to be running.

A central monitoring system provides an instant read out on essential elements such as bilge levels, fire detection devices, navigation lights, bilge pumps, fuel and water levels.

The 65 has an extended aft cockpit covered by a solid overhang to provide increased comfort in harsh environments. To further increase comfort below decks, Fleming has rejigged the layout to allow for a new full-beam owner's stateroom.

Standard power comes from twin MAN 800hp diesel engines but MAN 1100hp engines are offered as an option for those who want to go faster than the standard engine cruising speed of 16 to 17 knots. Those not in a hurry will be able to cover more than 1500 nautical miles at 9 knots on one tank of fuel.

The Fleming 65 has a LOA of 19.8 metres, a beam of 5.7 metres and draws 1.5 metres. Check out the Fleming Yachts website for more details.