Monte Carlo Yachts 65: Mini Megayacht for the Owner-Operator
Though this yacht is not quite large enough to be called a mega, its level of luxury certainly is.
November 19, 2012
Lounging on the sunpad of the flared bow on the Monte Carlo 65, a luxe addition to the Monte Carlo Yachts family which joins her bigger sister, the Monte Carlo 76, might make you think you’re on a megayacht—unless someone told you she’s 25 feet shorter than that moniker requires. Also known as the MYC 65, she was launched just ahead of the 70, which is expected to make a debut in 2013.
With a pair of 1,000 horsepower MAN diesels, the MC 65 cruises at around 26 knots.
French company Groupe Beneteau joined Italian designers Nuvolari Lenard to create this line of super-stylish contemporary yachts that speak to a sophisticated market in every detail. Twenty-two materials are used in the interior finishes and include walnut, grey oak, various leathers, tavertine stone, fabrics from Armani Casa and Rubelli, and more. The concept of popular interior/exterior continuity is evidenced by the large cockpit that flows inside on the same level, unifying and elongating the living spaces for an impressive effect.
The galley, with its full-sized appliances, is aft at the saloon entrance and serves as a social gathering spot with good access to the al fresco dining area in the cockpit. Forward and to port is a U-shaped sofa lounge across from the well-laid out helm, where an optional lower helm door opens onto the side deck to help the captain when docking. The only stairs to the flybridge are from the cockpit, which gives the interior living space an uncluttered, open, and natural flow.
The use of multiple woods, stone, and leather combine to give the Monte Carlo 65 the look and feel of a far larger, more expensive craft.
The MCY 65 is offered with three cabins and three heads. The master amidshsips is full-beam and includes a starboard-side lounge, large signature hull ports, a vanity desk, and a head with twin carved travertine sinks and a ceramic tile shower. A VIP cabin forward and a guest cabin to starboard both have ensuite heads. There is a fourth cabin which could serve as crew quarters. It’s accessed through a door in the transom that also leads into the engine room. Twin beds, a head and separate climate control will keep the occupants comfortable.
The hydraulic swim platform lowers to just below water level and will accommodate a tender or PWC and provides good water access for snorkelers and swimmers. Steps lead up either side of the transom to a cockpit that’s protected from the weather by an extended flybridge overhang. Here, optional engine controls will help when backing into a slip.
Could it be that you're really on a megayacht? No. But from this view of the bow alone, all bets would be off.
Wide side decks lead forward to the bow via a Portuguese bridge to the central walkway between two large sunpads. It’s a lovely place to enjoy in the evening in the soft glow of pop-up and deck-level courtesy lighting. The windlass is up off the deck on the pulpit-less bow and is easily managed while standing.
In good weather, the best lounging will be done on the flybridge that is covered by a hard T-top with an electrically retractable fabric center sunroof. This very functional area includes a double helm seat to starboard, two sizeable lounges, and a compact built-in unit abaft the radar mast that contains a refrigerator, ice maker, sink, and grill.
The MCY 65 looks, feels, functions, and even smells like a megayacht—or maybe that’s just the new boat smell. But the beauty of this high-end design is that it is built to be managed by an owner/operator, and quite efficiently at that. The standard engines are twin MAN V8 1,000 hp with direct shafts. This might seem to be on the small side for a vessel of this size; nevertheless, the yacht will cruise at 26 knots and reaches 31 knots at WOT. An upgrade is available to MAN 1,200 hp engines, which only add about a knot at the top and don’t change the cruising speed. With Kevlar in the hull construction, cored doors and cabinetry, and a carbon fiber top on the flybridge, the MCY 65 is light and strong—so with her smaller engines, she is not only less expensive to purchase, but also more efficient to operate.Watch our short take video from Fort Lauderdale, or visit Monte Carlo Yachts.
-Zuzana Prochazka
