Fairline Squadron 42: Mid-Size Luxury
The latest addition to the Fairline fleet brings the Squadron range to a new level.
Fairline have long been recognized as a luxury motor yacht manufacturer that has put heavy emphasis on build quality and clever use of space. The Squadron 42 made its world debut at the Southampton Boat Show in September and continues to follow the Fairline way, but it is also a very new concept.
The Squadron 42 made its world debut at the Southampton Boat Show.
Up until now, the Squadron design has been exclusively for the bigger yachts in the range. The Squadron 42 incorporates many of the qualities of the larger yachts but for a far lower price. The base price for the Squadron 42 is £259,700 less than the Squadron 50.
To my mind, Fairline’s Squadron 42 has a very masculine appeal. Walking on board you get the feel of entering a luxury batchelor-pad. Clean lines with leather and wood, in shades of brown and beige, highlighted with halogen lights. There is no elaborate decoration; the design is practical, efficient and comfortable, more sports car than holiday home.
There is no elaborate decoration on the Squadron 42; the design is practical, efficient and comfortable.
The dominant features in the main saloon are a wrap-around sofa and coffee table that converts into a dining table, opposite a 32” flat screen. Down below a small galley has just two hobs but a big refrigerator for supplies. The cooking facilities can be complemented by a neat flying bridge package of ice-maker, sink, refrigerator and BBQ griddle (ideal for serving up the catch of the day or steaks). The flying bridge is well equipped with repeater instrument controls and in fair weather would be the place of choice, under way or dockside.
The main cabin is forward and provides a roomy double bed with a very spacious ensuite bathroom with full ceiling height. The guest cabin has two bunks, easily converted to a double bed, with access to a compact but very functional bathroom with basin and full standing shower facility. The Squadron theme of clean lines continues here, giving a sense of space throughout.
The master stateroom forward has a roomy double bed and ensuite bathroom.
The aft part of the Squadron 42 is finished in teak and has thoughtful storage space and lighting. An optional extra is a clever cantilever tender launch system. Garmin electronics are recommended as optional extras, providing a highly functional and user-friendly communication and navigation system.
The standard model comes with twin diesel Volvo Penta D6-370 EVC engines. The propellers are set in semi-tunnels enabling the engines to be set further aft, reducing draught and improving efficiency by reducing shaft angle. Two marine grade fuel tanks provide a 263 US gallon capacity. Suggested top speed with this configuration is 28 knots; however, more powerful options (including twin diesel Caterpillar C7-460 ACERT) can nudge the speedometer over 30 knots.
Garmin electronics are recommended as optional extras.
The standard price for the Squadron 42 is £314,700 ex. VAT.
Personally if I had to choose between this sporty, refined and beautifully equipped yacht and a cozy cottage by the lake, I wouldn’t need to flip the coin.
The compact galley has a large fridge.
